Davis Cup: New Zealand complete rout of Pakistan

Kiwis finish off their opponents with straight-set victories in reverse singles on final day

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand completed a 5-0 rout of Pakistan in their Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie in Christchurch on Sunday when Finn Tearney and Jose Statham took the reverse singles.

The overwhelming victory ensured New Zealand remain in Group I with the prospect of challenging for a World Group playoff next year.

New Zealand took an unassailable 3-0 lead when they won the doubles on Saturday and finished off Pakistan with straight-set victories in the reverse singles on the final day.

Tearney beat Muhammad Abid Ali Khan Akbar 6-1, 6-3 and Statham downed Pakistan number two Samir Iftikhar 6-4, 6-1.



New Zealand captain Alistair Hunt said getting a World Group qualifying tie for the first time in nearly 18 years would be huge for New Zealand.

"Imagine getting a world group team over here like (the) States or even Australia, it doesn't really matter. All these guys are unbelievable and top 20-50 players," said Hunt.

"You get a couple of these guys and next minute your stands are full and everything becomes a lot more interesting for people."



Overall results

Finn Tearney (NZL) bt Muhammad Abid (PAK) 6-1, 6-3

Jose Statham (NZL) bt Samir Iftikhar (PAK) 6-4, 6-1

Michael Venus/Marcus Daniell (NZL) bt Aqeel Khan/Muhammad Abid (PAK) 6-0, 6-1, 6-2

Jose Statham (NZL) bt Muhammad Abid (PAK) 6-0, 6-1, 6-4

Finn Tearney (NZL) bt Samir Iftikhar (PAK) 6-2, 6-0, 6-0