The league stage of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is hurtling toward a dramatic finish. Magicwin With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) already comfortably perched in the final and Gujarat Giants (GG) having snatched the second playoff spot, only one chair remains for three teams.

As we head into the final league match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and UP Warriorz (UPW) on February 1, the math is getting intense. Here is how Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz can qualify for the Eliminator.

The Current Standings (Pre-Match 20)

• RCB: 12 pts (Qualified for Final)

• GG: 10 pts (Qualified for Eliminator)

• MI: 6 pts (8 matches played, NRR +0.059)

• DC: 6 pts (7 matches played, NRR -0.164)

• UPW: 4 pts (7 matches played, NRR -1.164)

1. Delhi Capitals: The "Win and In" Club

For Jemimah Rodrigues and her squad, the scenario is the most straightforward. They hold the keys to their own kingdom.

• The Path: Beat UP Warriorz by any margin.

• The Result: A victory takes DC to 8 points. Since MI has already finished their league games with 6 points, DC would leapfrog them into 3rd place and secure a date with Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator.

• The Risk: A loss doesn't just keep them at 6 points; it leaves them at the mercy of a Net Run Rate (NRR) battle they are currently losing to Mumbai.

2. Mumbai Indians: The Nervous Spectators

The defending champions have played all 8 of their games. They are currently 3rd on the table, but they have no way to add more points. They are now "Team UP Warriorz" for a day.

• The Path: UP Warriorz must beat Delhi Capitals.

• The Catch: MI needs UPW to win, but not by a historic margin. Because a UPW win creates a three-way tie at 6 points (MI, DC, and UPW), NRR becomes the tie-breaker.

• Why they are favorites if DC loses: MI has a significant NRR lead over both DC and UPW. Unless UPW pulls off a "miracle" win (see below), MI will stay ahead on NRR and take the 3rd spot.

3. UP Warriorz: The "Mathematical Miracle"

The Warriorz are hanging by the thinnest of threads. To qualify, they don't just need to win; they need to rewrite the record books.

• The Path: Beat Delhi Capitals by approximately 156+ runs (if batting first) OR chase down the target in roughly 1.5 to 2 overs.

• The Logic: They need to gain enough NRR points to jump from -1.164 to above MI's +0.059.

• Realistic Goal: While the Eliminator might be out of reach, a win for UPW would act as a "spoiler," potentially knocking out Delhi Capitals and handing the spot to Mumbai Indians.

Summary Table: Who Needs What?

Conclusion

Sunday’s clash at the Kotambi Stadium is more than just a game; it's a three-way elimination match. If Delhi wins, they maintain their perfect record of reaching the playoffs in every WPL season. If they lose, the defending champions Mumbai Indians will breathe a sigh of relief and prepare for the Eliminator.