The Indian Davis Cup squad concluded its historic trip to Pakistan, marking 60 years since their last visit, by securing a spot in World Group I. Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni sealed an unassailable 3-0 lead in the play-off tie with a comfortable victory on Sunday.
Entering the match with a 2-0 advantage, Bhambri and Myneni defeated the home team of Muzammil Murtaza and Aqeel Khan 6-2 7-6(5) in the doubles rubber, further asserting India's dominance over Pakistan in the tournament.
Despite Aqeel replacing Barkat Ullah for the do-or-die match, Bhambri and Myneni displayed flawless performance, demonstrating a noticeable gap in quality between the two teams. Myneni's powerful serves proved challenging for the home team, with his effective net play securing crucial points.
The Indian team's adaptability to challenging conditions and tight security measures was evident, as they navigated restrictions without impacting their performance. The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) ensured player safety with a comprehensive security plan, collaborating with various agencies to prevent any untoward incidents during this historic tie.
With this victory, India extended its winning streak to eight encounters in the World Cup of tennis. The team is now set to compete in World Group I in September, while Pakistan will remain in Group II.
Bhambri and Myneni took early control of the match, breaking Aqeel in the first and fifth games to establish a commanding 4-1 lead. The Pakistani player struggled to hold serve, allowing the Indian duo to dominate.
Despite a brief challenge in the second set, Bhambri and Myneni secured victory in a tie-breaker, ensuring there were no surprises in the outcome. The win highlighted India's prowess and affirmed their place in the higher echelons of the Davis Cup competition.
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