WPL 2025: Giants head coach Klinger says team took learnings from opening defeat after win against Warriorz

WPL 2025: Giants head coach Klinger says team took learnings from opening defeat after win against Warriorz

Gujarat Giants recovered from a tough loss in the opener and notched its first points in WPL 2025 after beating UP Warriorz by six wickets at the Kotambi International Stadium on Sunday.

Giants’ head coach Michael Klinger said that the team learned from the defeat in the first game and executed the plan to perfection, restricting UP to a sub-par total.

“I thought that game one was played very well, but we just had some learnings, in particular in our bowling and fielding. They took those learnings into this game, and I thought we bowled brilliantly and to our plans,” said Klinger during the post-match press conference. 

“Players will always make mistakes now and then, and that’s fine. It’s more the attitude and energy that they showed in the field that was pleasing to see from a coach’s side of things.” 

Just as the 144-run chase was starting to get challenging, skipper Ashleigh Gardner continued her dominance with the bat to bring up back-to-back fifties. 

“She’s had a great start. She is captaining really well too and making really good bowling changes and field positioning. Her batting in the first two games has been fantastic. 

“I’m just asking her to enjoy yourself, have fun and play some nice cricket. And she’s doing that and much more,” he said.

The former Australian cricketer was also pleased to see Deandra Dottin showcase her dynamic all-round skills. “That’s why we got her. I thought that wicket she got in the PowerPlay was really important for us; they just started getting away a little bit.

“She’s experienced in bowling at the death, which is probably something we don’t have so far in our starting 11,” Klinger said, adding that the bowling group did well to keep the opposition to 140 on a nice wicket and a slightly wet outfield. 

With a third and final game remaining for Gujarat in its backyard, Klinger said that the crowd support has helped lift team spirits. 

“Tonight and the first game, plenty of people in orange were in the crowd, and supporting us. We have one more game here, and hopefully, we can give the crowd another win and then move on to Bangalore,” he said. 

Published on Feb 17, 2025