Davis Cup: India Crush Pakistan 4-0, Secure World Group I Berth

Islamabad: India’s dominant run continued as they blanked Pakistan 4-0 in the Davis Cup World Group I play-off, marking their eighth consecutive victory over their rivals and securing a spot in the September World Group I stage.

Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni rose to the occasion in the crucial doubles rubber, overcoming a spirited challenge from Aqeel Khan and Muzammil Murtaza. Despite conceding a mid-second set wobble, the seasoned Indian pair pulled away in the tie-breaker to clinch a 6-2, 7-6(6) victory, sealing the tie for India.

Making his Davis Cup debut in style, Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha secured a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Muhammad Shoaib in the fourth match, adding the icing on the cake to India’s comprehensive victory.

The visitors set the tone on day one with clinical singles wins from Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sriram Balaji. Ramanathan outlasted veteran Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi in a thrilling three-setter, while Balaji dispatched Aqeel Khan in straight sets.

This victory marked India’s first Davis Cup appearance in Pakistan since 1964, making the triumph even sweeter for the team and fans.