LAHORE, Jan 14: Shahid Afridi and Kamran Akmal were delighted over scoring centuries against India on Saturday but they did not rate their innings as the most precious of their Test careers.
Afridi scored 103 while Kamran remained unbeaten at 102 in the first innings of the first Test at Qadhafi Stadium.
“I rate my innings of 141 against India in Chennai as best because that was when I was trying to cement my place in the side,” Afridi said.
Afridi, who was at the non-striking end when Younis Khan was run out for 199, said that he was very disappointed at that time.
“In fact, Indian bowler Anil Kumble had come in front of me to cause a mix-up and it was too late to save Younis from being run out,” Afridi added.
He said that when he hit Kumble for a six to reach 50, the bowler asked him where he should bowl him next.
Afridi hit seven sixes and as many boundaries.
Kamran said that he still rated his century at Mohali, India as best.
“That century was scored under pressure and helped Pakistan save the Test,” he said.
Kamran remarked that he played aggressively because it was the demand of the situation.
Kamran, the 25-year-old right-hander, was delighted over breaking the record of his Australian’s counterpart, Adam Gilchrist of scoring the fastest century as wicket-keeper.
Indian coach Greg Chappell was of the view that the wicket would remain batting friendly for next two days.
He said that if his batsmen played with true potential India would be in a safe position.
Chappell avoided to comment on day-to-day position of the pitch and said it would be better if the press asked such questions at the end of the Test.
Defending the performance of his bowlers under odd conditions, he said once Australian best fast bowler Dennis Lillee had failed on Pakistan’s tour.
Asked if his batsmen were capable of facing Pakistani pace attack, he said so far they were successful.