WPL 2024: RCB's Simple Path, Warriorz & Giants in Playoff Race

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 has reached its exciting climax, with three teams - Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants - battling for the coveted third playoff spot. While last year’s finalists Delhi Capitals and defending champions Mumbai Indians have secured the top two positions, the race for the remaining berth is heating up.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) find themselves in the driver’s seat, with their fate firmly in their own hands. If they manage to defeat Mumbai Indians in their upcoming clash on Tuesday, they will secure their place in the playoffs, moving to eight points and surpassing both UP Warriorz (six points) and Gujarat Giants (maximum six points).

However, even if RCB stumbles against Mumbai, their hopes of qualifying are not entirely dashed. Thanks to their relatively healthy net run rate (NRR) of 0.027, they will remain ahead of UP Warriorz (NRR -0.371) unless their losing margin is around 60 runs if chasing or with seven overs to spare if defending. For instance, if Mumbai scores 175 batting first, RCB would need to score at least 115 to stay ahead of Warriorz on NRR.

UP Warriorz, on the other hand, will be eagerly rooting for RCB’s downfall, as a substantial loss for the latter could propel Warriorz into the third spot. However, even in such a scenario, Warriorz’s qualification is not guaranteed, as Gujarat Giants still have a chance to leapfrog them on NRR if they secure a resounding victory in their final league match against Delhi Capitals.

Giants’ current NRR of -0.873 is the lowest among all teams, but they have the advantage of playing last. If batting first, they would need to win by a margin of 54 to 61 runs, depending on their total (a 54-run win if they score 120, or a 61-run win if they post 200). Conversely, if chasing, Giants must chase down their target in roughly 45 balls (between 43 and 47 balls, based on the target).

Interestingly, Giants also hold a slim chance of overtaking RCB on NRR if they win by around 57 runs (batting first) or with approximately 45 balls to spare (chasing). Although Giants’ highest winning margin in four WPL matches across two seasons is just 19 runs, they will undoubtedly be motivated by the prospect of securing a playoff spot.

As the league reaches its climax, the excitement is palpable, with each team vying for the remaining playoff berth. RCB’s path is undoubtedly the simplest, but Warriorz and Giants will be desperately hoping for an RCB stumble, setting the stage for a thrilling finale to the WPL 2024 season.