The second match between India Red and India Blue of the ongoing Duleep Trophy was called off on the last day due to a wet outfield. Weather played spoilsport on all four days of the match. While there was some play on the first three days, not a ball could be bowled on the fourth day. The match was called off at 5:25 pm. Even one innings couldn’t be completed due to intermittent rain.
After India Blue were asked to bat, Gautam Gambhir and Mayank Agarwal had taken the team to 105 without loss when rain made its first appearance. Then after a delayed start on the second day, Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets to leave India Blue on 200 for five when play for the day was called off due to rain again. Thanks to the continued efforts of the ground staff, play was made possible on the third day again after another delayed start. Sheldon Jackson and Dinesh Karthik then added 85 runs to the overnight total until heavy showers once again brought play to a halt. On the final day, weather once again won the day and play had to be called off.
India Blue will now take on India Green for a spot in the finals from 4th to 7th September. India Red have qualified for the final to be played from 10th to 14th September.
Match result: Drawn. Both teams get 1 point each
Brief scores:
Day 1 - India Blue 1st inn 105/0 in 34.2 overs (M Agarwal 53*, G Gambhir 51*)
Day 2- India Blue 1st inn 200/5 in 62 overs (M Agarwal 92, G Gambhir 77, K Yadav 4/49)
Day 3 - India Blue 1st inn 285/5 in 78.2 overs (S Jackson 48*, D Karthik 35*)
Day 4 – No play
