ISLAMABAD: The first-day action in the Davis Cup Group I playoff between Pakistan and Lithuania ended in a 1-1 stalemate here at Pakistan Sports Complex grasscourt on Friday.

Pakistan’s ace player Aqeel Khan beat Laurynas Grigelis of Lithuania in the opening singles match 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 in one hour, 47 minutes to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

However, the visitors came back in the next singles match when world No.86 Ricardas Berankis overcame Pakistan’s Mohammad Shoaib 4-6, 7-6, 4-6 in a two hour, 23 minutes battle to end the day 1-1.

On Saturday, the Pakistan pair of seasoned Aisam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abid vie against Berankis and Grigelis followed by singles matches between Aqeel and Berankis, and Shoaib and Grigelis.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2022