Gujarat Giants Aim Bigger After WPL Eliminator Exit: Klinger

Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], February 4 :
Following their exit from the Women’s Premier League (WPL) eliminator, Gujarat Giants head coach Michael Klinger said the team is satisfied with its progress but is aiming for bigger goals in the coming seasons.

Klinger praised the team’s batting fightback and back-to-back playoff qualifications. However, he admitted that Gujarat Giants still have work to do to reach the WPL final.

Strong Batting Fightback, Bowling Falls Short

Gujarat Giants once again showed resilience with the bat during the eliminator. This came just days after a similar comeback helped them qualify for the playoffs.

However, their bowling attack struggled while defending a target of 169 runs. Despite having the Purple Cap holder Sophie Devine, the bowlers could not contain Delhi’s aggressive start.

Klinger Reflects on Key Moments

Speaking after the match, Klinger said the batting recovery was impressive.

“To get 168 from where we were was excellent,” he said.
“Beth Mooney and Georgia Wareham batted fantastically, and Kashvee Gautam played a fine cameo.”

He added that with a better start, the team could have crossed 180 runs.

Klinger also credited Delhi Capitals Women for their disciplined bowling. He said Gujarat conceded too many easy boundaries and missed their lines.

“We Will Come Back Stronger Next Year”

The former Australian cricketer said the team now has clarity on areas that need improvement.

“We have plenty of time to assess local and overseas talent,” Klinger said.
“Qualifying for playoffs two years in a row is progress, but we are aiming for bigger things.”

He added that the team hopes to play stronger cricket in the next WPL season.

Praise for Young Indian Talent

Klinger also praised uncapped Indian players Anushka Sharma and Bharti Fulmali, who recently earned India call-ups for the Australia tour.

He said Anushka had a promising debut season and has the potential to score over 300 runs in a WPL season. He added that international exposure could help her further.

On Bharti Fulmali, Klinger noted that low bounce on Vadodara pitches did not suit her batting style.

Match Summary: Delhi Capitals Seal Final Spot

Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first. They reduced Gujarat Giants to 59/4 early in the innings.

Beth Mooney scored an unbeaten 62 off 51 balls. She shared a crucial 61-run partnership with Georgia Wareham, who scored 35.

Late runs from Kashvee Gautam helped Gujarat reach 168/7. Chinelle Henry was the standout bowler for Delhi with figures of 3/35.

In reply, Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma put on a rapid 89-run opening stand.

Later, Laura Wolvaardt and captain Jemimah Rodrigues added 68 runs for the third wicket. Marizanne Kapp finished the chase as Delhi won with three wickets and 26 balls to spare.

Jemimah Rodrigues was named Player of the Match.

Delhi Capitals will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, the 2024 champions, in the WPL final on Thursday in Vadodara.