WPL 2025 scenarios: How can RCB make the playoffs?
What's the story
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are at a critical juncture in their title defense in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025.
Despite beginning with a record-breaking 202-run chase against Gujarat Giants and an eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals, RCB have lost all four matches at home.
With just four points from six matches, they can only end up with eight points by winning their last two games against UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians (MI).
Must-win scenario
RCB's path to playoffs
RCB's hopes of making it to the WPL 2025 playoffs depend on their performance against UP Warriorz. A loss would end their season early.
But a win would leave them with no option but to keep a close eye on MI vs Giants match for NRR. Giants currently have a better NRR than MI.
RCB's last match is against MI, making their playoff hopes even more complicated.
NRR hurdles
RCB's NRR challenge
As per ESPNcricinfo, to qualify for the playoffs, RCB must better MI's NRR by beating them by 20 runs if they beat UPW by 10 runs and if MI lose to Giants by the same margin.
But bettering Giants's NRR is even tougher.
To do this, their cumulative margin of victories over UPW and MI should be around 62 runs if Giants lose to MI by just 10 runs.
This highlights the high stakes and complexities of RCB's qualification quest.
DC's prospects
Delhi Capitals's playoff position
Delhi Capitals (DC) have made it to the playoffs, ending their league phase as table-toppers with five wins.
But their direct qualification to the final for the third consecutive season isn't assured yet.
Both MI and Giants could go past them. MI could take the top spot if they win both matches, while Giants could go past DC if they defeat MI by a decent margin.
Table
A look at the points table
DC occupy the top spot with 10 points from 8 matches (W5 L3). Their NRR is +0.396.
The Giants are next 8 points from 7 matches (W4 L3). Their NRR is +0.334.
MI are third, having played 6 games. They own 4 wins and 2 defeats (NRR: +0.267).
RCB are next with 4 points from six matches (W2 L4). RCB's NRR is -0.244.
UPW are placed last with 4 points (W2 L5). Their NRR is -0.785.