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WPL Playoff Race Heats Up: UPW, DC Favorites to Join RCB, Says Karim

Former India cricketer Saba Karim has identified UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals as the strongest contenders to secure the remaining playoff spots in the WPL 2026 season. He highlighted DC's balanced team and the leadership of Meg Lanning, while also noting UPW's potent bowling attack. Although Mumbai Indians remain mathematically in contention, Karim believes DC and UPW are the favorites if teams play to their potential. The playoff race is intense, with multiple teams tied on points behind the already-qualified Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Key Points: Saba Karim Picks UPW, DC as WPL Playoff Favorites

  • UP Warriorz & Delhi Capitals are playoff favorites
  • RCB has already qualified with 5 wins
  • Mumbai Indians still have an outside chance
  • WPL playoff race remains wide open
2 min read

Saba Karim names UPW, DC as favourites to join RCB in WPL playoffs

Former cricketer Saba Karim names UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals as favorites to join RCB in the WPL 2026 playoffs. Get insights and predictions.

"Looking at the balance of the teams, I think the Delhi Capitals have a very good chance of qualifying. - Saba Karim"

Mumbai, January 23

Former India cricketer Saba Karim named UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals as the remaining two teams, after Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as the favourites to reach the Women's Premier League 2026 playoffs. As WPL 2026 heads into the business end of the tournament, the playoff race remains wide open, with all teams still in contention except the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have already reached the playoffs with five consecutive victories under their belt.

During a 'Media Day' organised by JioStar, Saba Karim shared his insights on the season so far, predictions for the playoffs, and the impressive young talent on display.

Saba Karim said that the Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz are strong contenders to qualify for the playoffs. He also noted that MI still has a chance if they win their remaining matches, but overall, Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz are the favourites if teams perform to their potential.

"Looking at the balance of the teams, I think the Delhi Capitals have a very good chance of qualifying. Meg Lanning is an experienced and accomplished captain, and more importantly, she has started scoring runs. They also have another key player in Phoebe Litchfield. UP Warriorz possess a good bowling attack as well, so I believe these two teams should progress. That said, you can never rule out MI. They still have two matches left, and if they win both, their chances will improve. At this stage, though, if teams perform to their potential, I think Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz should qualify," Saba Karim said.

Notably, UPW got off to a poor WPL start as they faced three back-to-back defeats but bounced back with two wins, both against the Mumbai Indians, before losing to the Gujarat Giants by 45 runs in their most recent WPL match. They are currently placed at the bottom of the WPL points table, with four points. Mumbai Indians (3rd) and Delhi Capitals (4th) also have four points each.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a UPW fan, this gives me hope! Our bowling attack with Deepti Sharma is world-class. We just need the batting to click consistently. That comeback win against MI showed our potential. Let's go, Warriorz! 💪
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I think the analysis is a bit safe. Everyone at the bottom has 4 points! It's anyone's game. Gujarat Giants can also spring a surprise. The table is too tight to name clear favourites.
S
Sarah B
Loving the competitiveness of WPL! RCB women finally getting their due is the best story. Excited to see which teams join them. The young Indian talent coming through is the real winner.
V
Vikram M
DC looks strong on paper, but their middle order has been shaky. UPW's form is up and down. MI, the defending champs, know how to win these crunch matches. My money is still on MI to make it.
K
Kavya N
Phoebe Litchfield has been a revelation for DC! But let's not forget our Indian stars - Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, they can win matches single-handedly. Hope the playoff race goes down to the last ball!

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