UPKL Season 2 Playoffs: Qualification scenarios of all teams explained

The top 2 teams in the table will qualify for the UPKL Season 2 final.

As the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL Season 2) approaches its decisive phase, the qualification race has taken a sharper turn following the latest update to the points table.

The battle for top positions has intensified across the standings, with teams now separated by narrow margins and only a handful of league matches remaining.

According to the tournament format, the top two teams at the end of the league stage will advance directly to the final, while the teams finishing third and fourth will contest for the third-place. This structure places immense importance not just on qualification but also on final league positions, as finishing in the top two eliminates the risk of a playoff fixture.

Lucknow Lions have emerged as the early front-runners, while the race for the remaining top-four spots remains fiercely competitive. Teams placed between second and seventh are still mathematically alive, though some face a tougher path due to inferior score differences.

At the bottom end, several sides have already been ruled out of contention. Here’s a team-wise breakdown of the updated qualification scenarios based on the current standings.

Lucknow Lions – Need 1 win to qualify for the final

With 16 points from nine matches, Lucknow Lions comfortably lead the table and virtually guarantee a top-two finish. With eight wins already, even a single additional victory will mathematically seal their place in the final.

It would take an improbable collapse for them to fall outside of the top two, considering their substantial score differential and steady performances. Now, the Lions aim to conclude the league stage with a strong performance and maintain their momentum heading into the title match.

Sangam Challengers – Need 1 or 2 wins to qualify for the final

Sangam Challengers occupy second place with 14 points from 10 matches and are well positioned to qualify directly for the final. Sangam Challengers should secure a top-two finish with one more win; however, a loss could potentially allow teams below them to advance.

With a healthy score difference, the Challengers remain favorites to stay inside the top two if they maintain discipline in the last league stage encounter.

The remaining teams in contention will have to register high-margin victories to overtake the Challengers and secure a spot in the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League Season 2 Final.

Kashi Kings – (Need 1 win and Sangam Challengers to lose)

Kashi Kings are level on points with Sangam Challengers but trail slightly due to their score difference. They will have to win their last match by a large margin and also ensure that Sangam Challengers lose their match.

If Gazab Ghaziabad and Brij Stars lose one of their last two matches, then it will clear the Kings’ path to the final. A strong finish could see them leap into the top two and qualify for the final, while a loss could push them into the third or fourth spot.

Gazab Ghaziabad – (Depending on the results of other teams)

Gazab Ghaziabad are currently placed fourth with 12 points and remain firmly in the race for a top-four finish. One more win should all but confirm their spot in the third-place match, while two victories could potentially propel them into top-two contention depending on other results.

However, a loss could see pressure from teams just below them, making consistency crucial in the closing games.

Brij Stars – (Depending on the results of other teams)

Brij Stars are level on points with Gazab Ghaziabad but trail slightly in the standings. Their qualification scenario is straightforward: at least one win is required to remain in the top-four race, while two wins could strengthen their chances of finishing third or fourth. Any slip-up may allow Yamuna Yodhas to overtake them, making every remaining match vital for the Stars.

The Stars could potentially enter the top two race as well if they win both their remaining games. However, three teams—Sangam Challengers, Kashi Kings, and Gazab Ghaziabad—will have to lose their remaining games for the Brij Stars to compete in the final.

Yamuna Yodhas – (Depending on the results of other teams)

Despite having the same number of points as the teams above them, the Yamuna Warriors are in sixth place due to a poor score difference. They must secure a victory by a giant margin in their last group stage encounter and ensure the remaining fixtures go their way to break into the top four.

Even with a victory, their fate may depend on other results unless they manage to improve their score difference significantly. The Yodhas face a high-pressure finish with no room for error.

Awadh Ramdoots – (Eliminated)

Awadh Ramdoots are placed seventh with 10 points and have no possibility of breaking into the Top 4. Their score difference is -62, and even a win in their last group stage match will not be of any use to them.

They will continue to occupy the seventh place in the standings. However, a loss could see them potentially fall to the ninth position if Purvanchal Panthers and Ganga Kings of Mirzapur win their remaining encounters.

Purvanchal Panthers – (Eliminated)

Purvanchal Panthers have been eliminated from the tournament with 8 points from 10 matches. A win in their last fixture will see them move one step ahead, but it will not help their cause as they are out of the PKL top-four race.

Ganga Kings of Mirzapur – (Eliminated)

With only 6 points, the Ganga Kings of Mirzapur are out of contention. With two fixtures remaining, they can reach a maximum of the seventh position in the UPKL standings. The Kings are now playing for pride and to finish the season on a positive note.

Aligarh Tigers – (Eliminated)

Aligarh Tigers have been officially eliminated from the qualification race. With 4 points from nine matches, they can no longer finish in the top four regardless of remaining results. The Tigers will aim to salvage pride and build a foundation for future seasons.

JD Noida Ninjas – (Eliminated)

JD Noida Ninjas are also out of playoff contention. Despite playing 10 matches, their four-point tally leaves them with no chance of qualification. Their remaining focus will be on gaining experience and restoring confidence within the squad.

Kanpur Warriors – (Eliminated)

Kanpur Warriors are placed at the bottom spot with 4 points from 11 matches and have been officially out of the competition. A difficult season has seen them struggle for consistency, and they will now look to come back stronger in the third season of Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League.

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