Pakistan falters in Davis Cup World Group II tie

BARBADOS: Pakistan continued their bout against Barbados as part of the Davis Cup World Group II 1^st round tie at the National Tennis Centre in Bridgetown on Sunday.

The two teams were level at the end of the opening day, with Barbados striking first as Darian King handily defeated Mohammad Shoaib in two sets.

Pakistan levelled the score after a hard-fought battle between Aqeel Khan and Kaipo Marshal, with Khan winning two sets to one.

The day began with a doubles match with Pakistan’s pair of Aqeel Khan and Aisam Qureshi facing off against the Barbados duo of Darian King and Haydn Lewis.

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A back and forth match saw the two teams mirror each other, both securing a set at seven games to six. However, Lewis and King soon found their rhythm, closing out the third and final set six games to two.

A singles match followed between King and Yousaf Khalil. King capitalized on the momentum he built, winning six games to three in the first, and six games to none in the second. Barbados closed out the series, three wins to one.

The Pakistan tennis squad will now head to the World Group II play-offs in February next year, hoping to continue their run in the competition. Barbados will head to the 2025 World Group I playoffs.