Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi

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Davis Cup: Aqeel holds nerve to carry Pakistan through

[[IMAGE: Facing a must-win situation, Aqeel answered the call with an emphatic straight-sets’ win to seal Pakistan’s progress. PHOTO: FILE EXPRESS ]] KARACHI:? Aqeel Khan rose to the occasion, outshone Aisamul Haq Qureshi and guided Pakistan past a tense Lebanon challenge with a straight-sets win in the deciding reverse singles of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania zone group II tie. Needing to win one of the two matches on the final day of the tie, ahead 2-1 courtesy a doubles win on the second day, Pakistan’s hopes were jolted when Aisam lost to the Lebanese number one Bassam Beidas 6-2, 6-1, 6-4. With Aqeel having lost his opening singles on the first day, it was Lebanon in the driving seat with momentum and home advantage aiding their cause. However, Aqeel shocked the hosts as he registered a 7-6, 6-4, 6-1 win over Karim Alayli to seal Pakistan’s progress. Playing against Lebanon on their home territory was difficult, according to Aisam, but the Pakistan players were prepared for the battle. “We rested our hopes in beating Lebanese number two Alayli twice since Beidas was a better player on clay,” Aisam told the Express Tribune . “It was extra challenging because we were playing their preferred surface but I’m glad Aqeel played well under pressure and won the last match