Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal on Sunday heaped praise on Irfan Pathan, saying he will remember for lifetime both his own battling century as well the Indian seamer's historic hat-trick.
Akmal hit his second century of the series to lift his team from a perilous 39 for six to 245 with a rearguard 113 on the opening day of the third and final cricket Test.
His hundred came after Pathan recorded Test cricket's first-ever first over hat-trick to plough through the host batting line up.
"The Indian bowling was very good, especially Irfan Pathan who bowled very well on a wicket that suited him," said the 24-year-old stumper.
Asked which of the two feats of the day he will remember, Akmal said, "Pathan's hat-trick as well as my century."
Akmal said that it was very difficult to bat on the grassy wicket with some moisture underneath it especially against the new ball. "It was difficult to survive against the new ball. I was asked by my captain to bat positively when we were in deep trouble," he said.
Akmal felt that batting was going to be difficult on this pitch throughout its duration because of the seam movement it accorded, adding it will be even more difficult when the ball was new.
"I feel the wicket will seam throughout. Playing against the new ball will also be very difficult," he predicted.
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