WPL 2023: Can RCB Still Qualify for Playoffs?
WPL 2023: RCB lost to UP Warriorz by 10 wickets (Source: Twitter/wplt20)
It has been nothing short of a horror story for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) edition.
Lying in an abyss and bottom of the points table, RCB'S campaign is running on a four-match losing streak with their latest defeat being a 10-wicket one.
As the Challengers met UP Warriorz on Friday, all they could manage was another disappointment. The Warriorz brushed away Smriti Mandhana and Co. with disdain, also almost boxing them out of the playoffs.
However, the calculators are still out as RCB have an outside chance of being one of the top three teams at the end of the league stage.
While the scenario has its own permutations and combinations, the franchise first and foremost has to ensure that they win all of their remaining games. It will take them to eight points.
The next step requires them to boost their net run rate which means that the women in red must gather victories with enormous margins. Their net run rate that is -2.648 is the lowest among all the sides currently.
Ticking off all the boxes alone will not give RCB the playoffs berth. Their chances rely on other teams as well. MI are at eight points and are most likely to get through. Bangalore are closest to Gujarat Titans on the points table and must hope that they lose as many games as possible. Further, RCB would also need one of Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz to drop points.
While the road is still far ahead and there is no fixed route to reach it, RCB have to make sure they start the journey soon. They will next face Delhi Capitals on March 13 at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy.
 "Aayush Mahajan")
