The second season of the Women’s Premier League is going on with all the thrills. Since the first match, the tournament has been showing its flavor. Right now, the tournament is in a fascinating phase. All teams are calculating their chances to appear in the qualifier stage. They all are running to lift the trophy. In this article, we will see the chances of each franchise to qualify in the next Step:
Delhi Capitals:
The Season 1 runners-up, Delhi Capitals, are in a strong position to secure a spot in the WPL final for the second consecutive season. Led by Meg Lanning, the team can claim the top spot with 14 points if they emerge victorious in their remaining matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 10 and Gujarat Giants on March 13. This achievement would solidify their position and grant them direct qualification for the finals.
In the unlikely scenario of the Capitals losing their remaining matches, Royal Challengers Bangalore could take the lead with ten points, creating a three-way tie at eight points with the Capitals and another team. The Capitals’ net run rate (NRR) advantage over Mumbai Indians (MI) currently adds an extra layer of strategic consideration, making their last two matches crucial for securing their place at the top of the table and ensuring a direct entry into the WPL finals. Currently, they are standing in the second position with 8 points.
Mumbai Indians:
Mumbai Indians, seeking a playoff spot, have positioned themselves well by accumulating eight points in the ongoing WPL. Following their victory over UP Warriorz on Thursday, they are currently tied with Delhi Capitals in points. The Capitals, however, hold an advantage in net run rate (NRR). To secure a place in the playoffs, Mumbai Indians need to carefully strategize and ensure substantial victories in their upcoming matches against Gujarat Giants on March 9 and Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 12.
In a scenario where Delhi Capitals win their last two matches by only a run each, Mumbai Indians face the challenge of surpassing their NRR. A combined victory margin of at least 83 runs, assuming both teams score 160 in each inning, becomes crucial for Mumbai Indians to outshine the Capitals and secure their path to the playoffs. These upcoming matches are pivotal for Mumbai Indians to strengthen their position and make a strong push towards playoff qualification in the WPL. After defeating Gujarat Giants, they are one more step closer while being on the top of the points table with 10 points.
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have shown significant improvement from their disappointing campaign in 2023, currently sitting on six points from as many games. A positive net run rate (NRR) puts them ahead of the fourth-placed Warriorz, with a game in hand. Securing two victories in their remaining fixtures will guarantee RCB a spot in the playoffs and potentially even a top-of-the-table finish, depending on other match outcomes. If RCB manages just one win, they stay in contention, especially considering that only one of Warriorz or Giants can reach eight points. However, if RCB loses both remaining matches and stays at six points, they would need Giants to defeat Warriorz and then lose to either Capitals or MI.
After a challenging first season last year, Royal Challengers Bangalore has found the right combination this time, starting their campaign on a positive note with three wins in their first five matches. Despite the setback of losing to the Gujarat Giants, they remain in contention with six points. RCB faces a tough end to the league stage, taking on the formidable Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in their last two fixtures. To enhance their playoff chances, they would also need the UP Warriorz to lose at least one of their three remaining matches. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for RCB as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs.
UP Warriorz:
The thrilling one-run victory against the top-ranked Capitals has injected new hope into the Warriorz, who currently stands at six points with only one game remaining. Led by Alyssa Healy, the Warriorz now cling to the possibility of advancing to the playoffs. Their best chance lies in RCB losing both of their remaining matches, while the Warriorz secures a win against the Giants in their final league encounter, thereby reaching eight points. Should the Warriorz lose to the Giants by just one run while chasing a target of 160, they would need RCB to suffer a combined defeat margin of at least 54 runs in their last two matches, presuming RCB also scores 160 each time, to break the six-point tie based on a superior net run rate.
With their fate hanging in the balance, the Warriorz face an anxious wait as the other four teams conclude their final matches on March 12 and 13. The outcome of these matches will determine whether the Warriorz can progress to the playoffs or if their journey in the tournament comes to an end. The stakes are high as the Warriorz eagerly await the results, hoping for scenarios that favor their advancement to the next stage of the competition.
Gujarat Giants:
Despite being the wooden spoon holders from the previous WPL edition, the Gujarat Giants haven’t witnessed a significant turnaround in their fortunes this time around, securing only one victory in seven matches. Their direct path to qualifying for the playoffs involves winning all their remaining matches. Though they are almost out of the picture. The latest defeat against Mumbai left them dicey in the tournament.
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