India asserted its dominance over Pakistan in a gripping Davis Cup World Group I playoff tie on February 3, claiming a 2-0 lead. The standout performances by Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji stole the spotlight in an intense battle that saw both skilful play and unfortunate injuries.
Ramkumar's Remarkable Comeback
In a fiercely competitive opening singles match, Ramkumar Ramanathan showcased exceptional skill and determination. Despite a spirited effort from Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Ramkumar's powerful serve and strategic play allowed him to secure a victory with scores of 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-0. The turning point came when Ramkumar, facing a precarious position at 3-4 and down 15-40, managed to dominate the match with an impressive display of 20 aces.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, at 43 years old, struggled with 10 double faults, pushing the limits of his endurance. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury sustained in the third set due to the match's high demands and challenging conditions curtailed what could have been a tightly contested finish.
N Sriram Balaji's Doubles Triumph
In the rain-affected second singles, doubles expert N Sriram Balaji faced off against Aqeel Khan and secured a win with scores of 7-5, 6-3. Balaji's control over the match was evident as he strategically broke Aqeel once in each set, combining agile movement, a strong serve, and well-timed drop shots for a decisive victory.
India Eyes World Group I
With a 2-0 advantage, India is now just one victory away from progressing to World Group I. Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni are poised to clinch the tie for India in the upcoming match against Muzammil Murtaza and Barkat Ullah on Sunday. Despite facing tough conditions, including freezing temperatures, the Indian players remain focused on securing their spot in the coveted World Group I.
Ramkumar's Display of Prowess
Ramkumar Ramanathan swiftly shook off early nerves in the match, starting with a love service game capped by an ace. His powerful serving, including five aces in the first three service games, demonstrated his prowess on the court. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, while effective at the net and utilizing drop shots, struggled with three double faults in the first set.
The first set led to a tie-breaker, with Aisam gaining a 3-0 advantage and eventually securing the set with an ace. The second set saw Ramkumar's early break of Aisam's serve, but Aisam fought back, showcasing remarkable backhand shots. Despite the challenges, Ramkumar prevailed in the tie-breaker.
In the third set, Ramkumar broke Aisam early, capitalizing on aggressive forehand returns. Aisam, hindered by injury, took a medical timeout, and Ramkumar seized the opportunity to dominate the match, concluding with a skilful backhand drop shot.
India's triumph in the Davis Cup tie against Pakistan sets the stage for a thrilling Sunday showdown. With a 2-0 lead, the Indian team is on the cusp of securing a coveted spot in World Group I, marking a significant achievement in their Davis Cup journey.
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