Pakistan edge Portugal 2-1 to keep world title dream alive in Lisbon
LAHORE - Pakistan produced a sensational performance to upset host nation Portugal 2-1 and storm into the semifinals of the ITF Masters World Team Championships (45+) after a gripping quarterfinal battle that lasted more than eight hours on Wednesday.Displaying remarkable determination under intense pressure, Pakistan recovered from an early setback before veteran stars Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan combined to seal a famous victory, keeping the country’s hopes of a maiden ITF Masters World Team Championship title alive. The hosts drew first blood on Centre Court as Gonçalo Figueiredo defeated Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi 7-5, 6-4 in the opening singles match, putting Pakistan on the brink of elimination in front of a passionate home crowd. With everything at stake, Aqeel Khan delivered a courageous response, defeating Nuno Matias 7-6(5), 6-2 in a high-quality contest to level the tie and force a decisive doubles match. Pakistan’s experienced duo of Aisam and Aqeel then produced their best tennis of the tournament, dominating Portugal’s Nuno Matias and Nuno Topa 6-4, 6-1 in the doubles to complete a memorable comeback and secure Pakistan’s place in the last four. The victory marks another landmark achievement for Pakistan, who continue to build on last year’s bronze-medal finish. Defeating the host nation on its home courts and in front of a vocal partisan crowd underlined the team’s growing stature on the international masters circuit. Following the triumph, Pakistan captain Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi praised his teammates for their fighting spirit and thanked the team’s supporters and sponsors for their unwavering backing. “This was one of the toughest ties we have played. Portugal is an outstanding team and enjoyed tremendous support from the home crowd, so this victory means a great deal to us,” he said. “I congratulate Aqeel Khan on his outstanding performance and thank my teammates, supporters and sponsors for making it possible for us to represent Pakistan on the world stage. We are now fully focused on the next challenge,” Aisam added. Pakistan will face Sweden in Thursday’s semifinal, with a place in the ITF Masters World Team Championships final at stake.
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