Colombo, Sri Lanka – Pakistan secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tajikistan in their Group A tie of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group III on Tuesday in Colombo, boosting their chances of advancing in the tournament.
The tie began with a setback for Pakistan as Amna Ali Qayum, competing in the first singles match, retired due to injury in the deciding set against Tajikistan’s Anisa Yakhyaeva. Amna had taken the first set 6-1 and led 5-3 in the second but withdrew in the third set, resulting in a 6-1, 5-7, 0-1 (ret.) loss, giving Tajikistan an early 1-0 lead.
Ushna Suhail turned the tide in the second singles rubber, delivering a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Saiyora Rajabalieva to level the score at 1-1. The tie hinged on the doubles match, where Ushna paired with Meheq Khokhar to dominate Tajikistan’s Yakhyaeva and Sumaya Tukhtaeva, winning 6-0, 6-1 and clinching the tie for Pakistan.
The four-member Pakistan team, led by non-playing captain Sara Mansoor and including Amna, Meheq, and Sheeza Sajid, was selected through trials held by the Pakistan Tennis Federation in May. Ushna, exempted from trials due to her recent stellar performances, proved pivotal in the victory. Pakistan now looks ahead to their next match against Turkmenistan on Thursday.
