Davis Cup: India beat Pakistan, safe World Group I berth

In what was the Indian Davis Cup group’s first go to to Pakistan in 60 years, the tie proved one-sided. The doubles pair of Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead earlier than Niki Poonacha, on debut, received his singles match in straight units.

On day one of many tie, India had taken a 2-0 lead because of Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji’s victories towards Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan respectively. To start day two, it was a must-win doubles match for Khan and Muzammil Murtaza however their Indian opponents remained scientific to seal a 6-2, 7-6(5) win.

Bhambri and Myneni broke Khan’s serve twice to cruise via the opening set however confronted resistance within the second. Khan, who had changed Barkat Ullah within the Pakistan aspect, and Murtaza managed to pressure a tie-breaker however the Indians confirmed composure regardless of trailing 2-4 at one stage to shut out the match.

So far as Pakistan had been involved, Khan’s serve was a letdown as he double-faulted on match level as properly. For India, Myneni served properly and was additionally sharp on the internet all through whereas Bhambri confirmed his shot-making expertise and fired quite a lot of winners from the baseline.

With the tie within the bag, India despatched out Poonacha for the fourth match and the 28-year-old didn’t disappoint in his first Davis Cup look. He beat Muhammad Shoaib 6-3, 6-4 earlier than the fifth and remaining match was known as off.

Poonacha was put beneath some strain by Shoaib’s backhands however operated cleverly to dictate play for essentially the most half. His serve remained a key weapon via the course of the competition as his opponent struggled with unforced errors.

“I believe it was crucial for Niki to play his first match right this moment and he got here on the market and delivered what we anticipated from him,” Zeeshan Ali, captain of the Indian group, was quoted as saying by ANI.

“He now has the expertise of what it feels wish to play for India within the Davis Cup, which can assist him by way of choice as properly. All these boys know that they should preserve acting on the circuit to enhance their rankings.”

With this outcome, Pakistan will keep in World Group II whereas India will compete in Group I in September.