Putting a price on his wicket — the only one to do so today — paid off hansdsomely for Asim Kamal. The southpaw is fast acquiring the reputation of a specialist in retrieving lost causes and today was a good opportunity to build on that image. While the other Pakistan batsmen appeared influenced by the bonhomie in the stands and showed little of the fighting spirit usually seen in such contests, Kamal held out till nine short of a century. ‘‘It’s disappointing to have missed out on the century but I’m sure it will come sooner than later’’, assured the 24-year-old bearded player. It was the sort of confidence and calm Kamal had shown through his innings while playing flawless, carpet drives. Importantly, he also ensured that Pakistan had good partnerships along the way. ‘‘That’s a part of my game. My No 6 position is a pressure spot. I like to build partnerships. I knew I just needed to hang in there and the runs would come. ‘‘We lost Inzamam and others who made a good start but I was determined to put up a fight.’’ He did that, and in superb style. Someone who signalled his arrival on the big stage in a similar manner when India toured Pakistan last, Kamal then was battling on the field when his father was doing the same in the hospital. No such mental worries this time round. ‘‘Yes, then it was tough for me. But now, I’m in a positive frame of mind. When my father was ill I was tense. God willing I’ll do better here.’’ Playing his 11th Test innings, Kamal admitted to being calmed by skipper Inzamam at the other end. ‘‘With Inzamam at the other end you are in the comfort zone. Unfortunately I lost him early.’’ This was the second time he’d been dismissed in the 90s; the last time was on 99, by South Africa’s Andre Nel. Kamal praised both deliveries. ‘‘Any ball that gets you out before your century is great and Balaji got me with a good one.’’ Vibrancy intact, but. If you happen to be a crazy cricket fan and feel that the real buzz was missing in the stands in Mohali, you may not be entirely wrong. The camaraderie seems to have taken over the die-hard cheer of those waiting for clashes between the arch-rivals. The stands are yet to be full, the Pakistanis are short by 3,500 — the number of tickets that came back from across the border — but more importantly the other 4,000 seem to have been taken in by the warmth of the locals here. Mark of Punjabiyat As Asim Kamal led the fightback more green flags kept fluttering than the Tri-colour ones but that did little to upset the others. A bunch of Indian younsgters could be seen crying hoarse right outside the media box, ‘‘Pakistanis upar aao (come up)’’. They wanted to enjoy the moment with them. The edge-of-the-seat competition is whether you like it or not is no issue of showmanship for the Punjabis. At least not this time. ‘‘They are our guests and it’s time we realise that it’s just a sport and no question of life and death,’’ said Gurmukh Singh. Raja approves it too The scene was very much similar in the guest boxes on Tier Two of the grand clubhouse. Rameez Raja, in between his commentary stints, could be seen spending time with his son Farkuleet and wife Attiya Ambreen. Having played at this very ground in 1997, Rameez admitted the venue provided for a very different setting. ‘‘There is something different about this place. Lovely people, attention to every little detail, the setting — all very much like in Pakistan,’’ he said . With or without loved ones Irfan Pathan’s parents were also there during the day. ‘‘A good day’s game and good to see these guests amongst us,’’ said Pathan Sr of his Mohali experience. On the other end of the box was Pakistan Cricket Board’s chairman Shaharyar Khan’s wife Najma and her cousin with other friends. ‘‘It’s thrilling and absorbing. I am just enjoying myself here,’’ said Najma. — Vinay Nayudu SCOREBOARD
