India secured their spot in World Group I of the Davis Cup by registering a complete 4-0 win towards Pakistan in Islamabad on Sunday.
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, gained his singles match in straight units.
On day one of many tie, India had taken a 2-0 lead due to 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 facet, 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 nicely. For India, Myneni served nicely and was additionally sharp on the internet all through whereas Bhambri confirmed his shot-making expertise and fired quite a few 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 last match was known as off.
Poonacha was put beneath some stress by Shoaib’s backhands however operated cleverly to dictate play for probably the most half. His serve remained a key weapon via the course of the competition as his opponent struggled with unforced errors.
“I feel it was essential for Niki to play his first match in the present day 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 prefer to play for India within the Davis Cup, which can assist him by way of choice as nicely. All these boys know that they should preserve acting on the circuit to enhance their rankings.”
With this end result, Pakistan will keep in World Group II whereas India will compete in Group I in September.
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