Duleep Trophy: Faiz Fazal-led India Green aims to book final berth

India Red, on the other hand, has already firmed up its berth in the day-night title clash after claiming three points against India Blue earlier this week.

Karun Nair has been in sublime form for India Red.

India Green will look to earn a spot in the final of the Duleep Trophy when it takes on India Red in the third and final league game at the Alur grounds from Thursday.

Faiz Fazal's India Green endured a frustrating time in the tournament's opening encounter at the Just Cricket ground earlier this month, when rain played spoilsport.

Only 49 overs of play were possible in total, with days two, three and four washed out. In the little action that did unfold, Ishan Porel managed to take three for 26 as Green reduced Blue to 112 for six.

Both sides left the venue with a single point.

Twelve days later, Fazal's men will take the field again, hoping to earn the three points that will guarantee them a spot in the final.

The likes of Priyam Garg, who earlier this month captained India U-19 to victory in the Tri-Nation tournament in England, and Rahul Chahar, fresh from an India debut in the West Indies T20 series, will be eager to make an impression.

India Red, on the other hand, has already firmed up its berth in the day-night title clash after claiming three points against India Blue earlier this week.

Karun Nair and Ankit Kalsi starred with the bat as Red took the first-innings lead before the game meandered to a draw.

Nair made 99 and 166 n.o. in the first and second innings respectively, in the process recording a first-class century after a gap of nearly two years.

He was ably supported by Himachal Pradesh's Ankit Kalsi, who scored 106 and 64 in the two innings.

Jaydev Unadkat, Avesh Khan and Vidarbha spinner Akshay Wakhare all enjoyed good outings with the ball for India Red in that game and will hope to maintain that form.

A decent contest may be expected from Saturday, as long as both sets of players remain interested.