Gujarat Giants ended its Vadodara leg of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 with a five-wicket loss in a low-scoring match against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.
GG head coach Michael Klinger rued the lack of partnerships but thought that the bowlers did well to bounce back. “A couple of lengthy partnerships could have been the difference to get us to 140-145.
“The PowerPlay hasn’t gone according to plan in the last couple of games. Today, losing four wickets, it is tough to come back from that. We do bat pretty deep, so, from the end of the PowerPlay, we did pretty well to get to 120,” said Klinger after the match.
The Australian felt that the batters could have protected their wickets had they chosen the right boundaries to attack. “That was the longest boundary on the ground, and two or three players got caught out there (at deep midwicket).
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“It was not so much a mindset thing, probably more of a tactical, strategy thing. They could have tried to access different areas or look to target the shorter side,” he said, adding that the team did well to get to 121.
While the top-order failed to get going, youngster Kashvee Gautham brought out her big-hitting capabilities. “We put her up a spot as well. She was fantastic. We know how well she can play. She can play nice strong shots and she can hit big.”
The pacer went on to take two wickets along with spinner Priya Mishra who gave the Giants a far-fetched shot. “Our bowlers did a very good job to give us a little bit of a sniff to win, either about six or seven overs to go. But it is always difficult when you are defending 120,” he said.
Despite a win and two losses from three games, Klinger said the Giants will have six days to rewire and start fresh in Bengaluru. He also felt that the crowd for the match against MI was much bigger than over the last three matches.
“The crowd tonight was the best one we have played in front of. Even the top deck was pretty close to full. I think playing in front of the home crowd was exciting for everyone.”
