The debut of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been a nightmare. The squad captained by Smriti Mandhana has lost all five games, and its chances of entering the playoffs are fading.
Mumbai Indians are at the other extreme of the WPL 2023 spectrum, having won all five of their matches and been the first club to reach the playoffs. On Tuesday, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad beats the Gujarat Giants to preserve their lead.
The Delhi Capitals are now second in the table and should join MI in the playoffs if their current run continues.
The club that wins the league stage, on the other hand, will automatically qualify for the final, while the next two teams on the list will compete in an Eliminator for the other spot.
How Can RCB Qualify For The Playoffs?
RCB are technically still in the playoff race even after losing five matches and stooping at the bottom of the table. But they will need a little luck for that to happen.
To begin, RCB must win all three of their remaining games. On Wednesday, they face the UP Warriorz, on Saturday, the Gujarat Giants, and the following Tuesday, the Mumbai Indians.
If they accomplish this, they will have six points from eight games.
Half of the work is done.
It is now time to pray.
For what do you pray?
Please pray that the UP Warriorz lose all four of their remaining games and finish with four points.
Second, RCB would hope that the Gujarat Giants win their game against the UP Warriorz but lose their other two. That also keeps them at four points, allowing RCB to finish third and qualify without relying on complicated net run-rate calculations.
Are There Any Other Options?
Yes, but it will get more complex.
How?
UP Warriorz will have six points if they win one of their remaining matches, the same as RCB if they win all of their remaining matchups. Additionally, Gujarat Giants will have six points if they win two of their remaining games.
There’s also the chance that all three will end with four points, putting NRR into play. The UP Warriorz currently have the highest NRR of the three teams.
