Davis Cup: India secure 2020 Qualifiers spot with 4-0 victory over Pakistan
Nur Sultan: India booked a spot in the 2020 Qualifiers after thrashing Pakistan 4-0 in the Davis Cup, here on Saturday. India completed a 4-0 win after Sumit Nagal defeated Yousef Kalil 6-1 6-0 in 32 minutes long clash to register his second straight win. Both, India and Pakistan opted not to play the dead fifth rubber. The fourth rubber is played even if the outcome of the tie is decided after the first three matches but the rules permit teams to skip playing the dead fifth rubber. Earlier in the day, India took an unassailable 3-0 lead against Pakistan after doubles pair of Leander Paes and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan won their match.
Pakistani teenagers Mohammed Shoaib and Hufaiza Abdul Rehman were no match for the Indian duo of Paes and Jeevan, who needed just 53 minutes to register a 6-1 6-3 win. Notably, Pakistan''s top players Aisam-ul-haq Quershi had earlier pulled out of the tie, protesting against ITF''s decision to shift the matches to a neutral venue, citing security concerns in Islamabad, the original venue. Veteran star Leander Paes paired with debutant Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, also bettered his own Davis Cup record by winning his 44th doubles match.