LAHORE (Abdul Basit): Pakistan bowed out of their Davis Cup World Group II tie against Paraguay with a 3-1 defeat in Asunción, but young Huzaifa Abdul Rehman emerged as the standout performer with a spirited display against higher-ranked opponents.
The 22-year-old pushed Alex Santino Nunez to three sets in the opening rubber, rebounding from a 6-1 loss in the first set to level 7-5 before narrowly going down 6-4 in the decider. Veteran Muzammil Murtaza then fell 6-0, 6-2 to Paraguay’s top-ranked Daniel Vallejo, putting Pakistan 0-2 down.
In doubles, Aisam-ul-Haq and Aqeel Khan raised hopes after winning the first set 6-3, but Vallejo and Martin Antonio Vergara fought back to claim a 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory, sealing the tie for the hosts. With the result already decided, Huzaifa returned on Sunday to secure Pakistan’s lone win, defeating Vergara 2-6, 6-4, 10-5 in the reverse singles.
“I just wanted to fight for every point and finish on a high note for Pakistan. This win gives me belief that I can compete well at international level,” said Huzaifa.
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