Test century will come soon, says dejected Kamal by AFP

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Ground:	Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
Scorecard:	India v Pakistan
Player:	Asim Kamal
Event:	Pakistan in India 2004/05

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DateLine: 8th March 2005

 

Pakistan's saviour Asim Kamal was disappointed after missing out on a century in the first Test against India, but said the three-figure knock would come soon.

 

"I can't describe how disappointed I am," Kamal, 28, told reporters on Tuesday after his stubborn 91 under pressure on the opening day of the match on a seamer-friendly track.

 

The left-hander led Pakistan's fightback after the tourists had been struggling at 104-4. The visitors were eventually all out for 312 in their first innings, thanks to Kamal.

 

"It's part of the game, but I am happy that I lived up to the task," said Kamal, who was dismissed for 99 on his Test debut against South Africa at Lahore in October 2003.

 

The Karachi native also came close to scoring a century this year when he made 89 against Australia in Sydney.

 

"I never felt pressure in the nineties but you may call it bad luck," he said, adding pressure had always spurred him on.

 

"When I walked in our score was 104-4, so (captain) Inzamam-ul-Haq told me to stay at the wicket and wait for the loose delivery and I did exactly that."

 

Kamal described the pitch as "sporting" and hoped it would support both bowlers and batsmen.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)