KARACHI: Pakistan secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tajikistan in their Group A clash at the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group III on Tuesday, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The tie began on a challenging note for Pakistan, as Amna Ali Qayum was forced to retire due to injury during the deciding set of the opening singles match. Despite winning the first set 6-1 and leading 5-3 in the second, Amna struggled with injury and eventually withdrew at 0-1 in the third, handing Tajikistan’s Anisa Yakhyaeva the win and an early lead.
Pakistan bounced back swiftly in the second singles match, where Ushna Suhail delivered a dominant performance, defeating Saiyora Rajabalieva 6-3, 6-1 to level the tie at 1-1.
In the decisive doubles rubber, Ushna teamed up with Meheq Khokhar to dismantle the Tajik duo of Yakhyaeva and Sumaya Tukhtaeva with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory, securing the tie for Pakistan.
The win strengthens Pakistan’s chances of progressing further in the competition. They will next face Turkmenistan on Thursday.
Pakistan’s four-member team in the tournament includes Ushna, Amna, Meheq, and Sheeza Sajid, with former national number one Sara Mansoor serving as the non-playing captain. According to the Pakistan Tennis Federation, team trials were held from May 5 to 7 at the PTF Tennis Complex, with eight players invited based on national rankings. Ushna Suhail was exempted from trials due to her recent strong performances.
