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Women’s Premier League enters decisive phase as first playoff spot is sealed

Royal Challengers Bengaluru qualify first for WPL playoffs as Mandhana’s unbeaten side dominates while the rest battle tightly

By Aritra Chatterjee

Jan 20, 2026 14:15 IST

The qualification scenarios for the Women's Premier League 2026 are all set to come into their decisive phase. Smriti Mandhana just like in life, has won all of the matches while captaining her side Royal Challengers Bengaluru and became the first team to qualify for the playoffs this season.

After the end of the 13th match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru stood at the top of the table boldly while Harmanpreet Kaur and brigade stood in the second position with four points along with UP Warriors and Gujarat Giants. Mumbai has a better run rate than others which helped them to hold in the second position.

On the other hand, the first time captain Jemaimah Rodrigues’ led Delhi Capitals to get just one win in just one game out of their four games, at this point they stood in the last position.

Also Read | Playoff drama is set to build in SA20 as injuries threaten South Africa’s World Cup plans

With every team having only three matches left, every team will try to maximize their game as per plans. Right now the game is on for everyone. Delhi Capitals will play their 5th match on Tuesday evening against Mumbai Indians who will play their sixth match of the season.

Delhi Capitals has played all the three finals till now, it is expected that they will unleash their A game in this match.

Unstoppable RCB

The way RCB is running in this season till now is a treat to watch. They have built a solid core with a mix of experience and young players which justified their bold approach for which they are known for.

RCB has won all of their five matches and in every game they had a new Man of the Match. In the first match, De Klerk’s clutch helped them, in the second match Grace Harris stood out. Radha Yadav, Richa Ghosh provided blistering knocks to secure win against Gujarat Gaints. Mandhana unleashed fire against Delhi while uncapped Gautami Naik played a superb knock to secure the victory againt Gujarat.

Also Read | Stalwarts overshadow newcomers as New Zealand’s second-string side beats India at home: Key takeaways from the series

Together they played like a complete team and as in every matches they got a new player who helped them to cross the line.

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