New Zealand complete rout of Pakistan in Davis Cup

New Zealand complete rout of Pakistan in Davis Cup
Updated on

Summary The overwhelming victory ensured New Zealand remain in Group I.

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFP) - New Zealand completed a 5-0 rout of Pakistan in their Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie in Christchurch on Sunday when Finn Tearney and Jose Statham took the reverse singles.

The overwhelming victory ensured New Zealand remain in Group I with the prospect of challenging for a World Group playoff next year.

New Zealand took an unassailable 3-0 lead when they won the doubles on Saturday and finished off Pakistan with straight-set victories in the reverse singles on the final day.

Tearney beat Muhammad Abid Ali Khan Akbar 6-1, 6-3 and Statham downed Pakistan number two Samir Iftikhar 6-4, 6-1.

New Zealand captain Alistair Hunt said getting a World Group qualifying tie for the first time in nearly 18 years would be huge for New Zealand.

"Imagine getting a world group team over here like (the) States or even Australia, it doesn’t really matter. All these guys are unbelievable and top 20-50 players," Hunt said.

"You get a couple of these guys and next minute your stands are full and everything becomes a lot more interesting for people." 

Browse Topics