Heavy rains play spoilsport in Duleep Trophy tie

For the second time in the last 10 days, heavy rains played spoilsport in the Duleep Trophy match between India Green and India Blue, at the Green Park stadium here on Wednesday.

A heavy drizzle, which began just before the start of the second day’s play on Wednesday, continued till late in the evening, and as soon as the lights were switched on, the umpires decided to call off the day’s play.

Last week, a heavy downpour had interrupted the India Blue versus India Red contest, which finally ended in a tame draw. India Blue earned three points from the game, while Red got one.

With off-spinner Parvez Rasool bagging five wickets for India Green on Tuesday, India Blue got out for a paltry 177 on the opening day of four-day game.

In reply, the Parthiv Patel-led India Green were 100 for 3 at stumps.

They still need 78 runs to take the first-innings lead.

Given the situation, India Red have already made it to the final, scheduled to be played at Lucknow from September 25 to 29, and only a win can help India Green enter the final.

On the other hand, India Blue having three points from the drawn tie and need just a draw in this game to set up a clash with India Red.

Meanwhile, the weather forecast suggests heavy rain on Thursday and Friday.

In such a situation, further play in the crucial game seems unlikely.