Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured their place in the playoffs of the WPL 2026, becoming the first team to do so after a commanding 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants on Monday. Choosing to bowl first, the Giants initially made a strong start by claiming early wickets, but RCB quickly regained momentum. Gautami Naik delivered an impressive performance, scoring 73 runs, with solid contributions from Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav, enabling Bengaluru to set a score of 178 runs for six wickets after 20 overs.
In their chase, Gujarat faced immediate difficulties, losing three wickets for just five runs, with key players Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, and Kanika Ahuja all falling early. The only significant resistance came from Gujarat captain Ash Gardner, who scored 54 runs. However, continuous loss of wickets hindered their progress, resulting in a final total of 117 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs. Sayali Satghare stood out as RCB’s best bowler, claiming three wickets.
As it stands in the points table, RCB holds the top position with a significant lead over their competitors. Mumbai Indians, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants each have played five matches, losing three, and are tied at four points, leaving three playoff slots still up for grabs. Mumbai Indians currently hold a slight advantage over the others due to net run rate. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals find themselves at the bottom with just two points from four matches.
In the race for the Orange and Purple Caps, UP Warriorz’s Phoebe Litchfield leads as the highest run-scorer, while RCB’s Nadine de Klerk tops the bowling charts with ten wickets. Following Litchfield are MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur with 199 runs and UPW’s Meg Lanning with 193 runs. RCB’s Smriti Mandhana and Gujarat’s Gardner are fourth and fifth, scoring 192 and 191 runs, respectively.
In the highest wicket-takers’ category, de Klerk is followed by MI’s Amelia Kerr, also with ten wickets. RCB’s Lauren Bell ranks third with nine wickets, while Nandni Sharma from Delhi Capitals and Sophie Devine from Gujarat Giants both share fourth and fifth places with nine wickets each.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/wpl-2026-points-table-rcb-qualify-playoffs-gg-dc-mi-upw-10483350/
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Publish Date: 2026-01-19 23:47:00
