Aqeel Khan and Aisam-ul-Haq saw Pakistan off to a winning start on the opening day of their Asia Oceania Group II Davis Cup tie against Iran on Friday.
Aqeel and Aisam, both playing singles, defeated their rivals Shahin Khaledan 7-6, 6-4, 6-2 and Anoosha Shahgholi 6-1, 6-2, 6-2, respectively, giving Pakistan a 2-0 lead over Iran.
Pakistani team comprises Aqeel Khan, Aisam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali Akbar and Abid Mushtaq. Rashid Malik is the captain. Iran’s team consists of Anoosha Shahgholi, Shahin Khaledan, Hamid Reza Nadaf, and Amir Hossein Badi. Their non-playing captain is Saeid Ahmadvand.
The tie, which is the first round of Asia Oceania Group II, is being played from February 3-5 at Pakistan Sports Board’s refurbished synthetic courts. Pakistan and Iran have played each other thrice, with former winning two ties (both in Iran) and latter winning once (in Pakistan).
This event is Pakistan’s first Davis Cup tennis tie at home in 12 years, as the hosts were earlier forced to play at neutral venues due to security fears.