Mumbai Indians Women, the reigning Champions of the WPL, have had a decent tournament so far in this edition.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team is currently 2nd in the table with 8 points after six matches.
After a two-match winning start, the Indians have lost two out of their last four matches. They suffered defeats at the hands of UP Warriorz and then Delhi Capitals, which has dented their hopes of finishing first and getting straight to the final.
The Indians secured a thumping win over UP Warriorz on Thursday (March 7), which boosted their playoff hopes significantly. Despite their position at the moment, MI-W can still have three fates – they can qualify for the Eliminator, Finish 1st and qualify straight for the Final, or can get eliminated.
Let’s have a look at the qualification scenario for Mumbai Indians.
MI-W WPL 2024 Playoffs Qualification Scenario
Mumbai Indians have two group stage matches, first against Gujarat Giants on Saturday (March 9) and then against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 12. Thi is how the defending champions can get to the playoffs-
How can MI-W finish 1st in the Table?
Mumbai Indians will have to beat Gujarat Giants and Royal Challenegers both in their next two matches, and then hope for a Delhi Capitals capitulation. If the Capitals lose two of their last three matches and MI-W win their next two, then the Paltans can finish on top of the table.
MI-W Playoffs Qualification
If Mumbai beat Gujarat Giants tomorrow (March 9), and if Delhi Capitals beat UP Warriorz today (March 9), that would guarantee Mumbai a playoff berth.
If Mumbai lose both of their matches, they can still qualify for the playoffs. In that case, UP Warriorz will have to lose either of their final two matches and Delhi Capitals will have to beat the Gujarat Giants on March 13.
How can MI Women get eliminated?
Mumbai Indians can get eliminated only if they lose their last two matches and Gujarat Giants or UP Warriorz win all of their remaining matches. With the current Net Run Rate scenario, MI (+0.375 after 6 matches) have a superior NRR compared to UP Warriorz (-0.435 after 6 matches) and Gujarat Giants (-1.278 after 5 matches).