ISLAMABAD: Pakistan pair Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan defeated Iran in straight sets 6-1, 6-2 and 6-2 in their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II men’s doubles category at the Sports Complex Islamabad here Saturday. The hosts bagged victory against Iran’s Alborz Akhavan and Anoosha Shahagholi. Pakistan have reached the semi-finals of the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group II on the back of this win. On day one, Aqeel took on Iran’s second seed Shahin Khaledan in the opener and needed a tie-breaker to claim the first set. From there on though there was no respite as Aqeel showed just why he is one the finest players in the country, winning the next two sets to claim a straight sets 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 6-2 win in two hours and 11 minutes to give Pakistan a 1-0 lead. Aisam then cemented the advantage with another fine performance, defeating Iran’s top seed Anoosha Shahgholi 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 as the second match also finished in just three sets. Pakistan are holding a Davis Cup tie at home after 12 years and the players ensured they welcomed the sport back in emphatic fashion. On the last day of the tie, Abid Ali Akbar and Muhammad Abid will play the reverse singles of the tie. Aisam expressed joy at the win while talking to media and said: “Obviously, expectations were high and honestly I feel the pressure of that but I really enjoyed playing in front of my own people. Its a great feeling to play and win at home. We went for the kill.” It was a momentous win for Pakistan as the players were playing a Davis Cup tie in their country for the first time in 12 years and more importantly, the win gives them a chance to play at home against other nations in the next rounds that will take place in April. The duo was not expected to play the doubles match initially but non-playing captain, Rashid Malik, chose to field them in the third rubber which turned out to be the decider in the best-of-five tie. “We were 2-0 up and Malik told us that he would want his best two players to finish the job. The weather forecast was also not looking too good for Sunday or Monday; there was a chance of rain. Both me and Aqeel were up for it, we were comfortable and fit so we went ahead. Playing with Aqeel is always great and we both knew that we have to win the match,” said Aisam. Aisam, the 2010 US Open finalist, said that playing the singles rubber was tougher than doubles, however, he was glad that both he and Aqeel managed to keep their unbeaten record at home in a decade intact – they have a remarkable record of 21 wins and only six defeats as the doubles team in Davis Cup matches for Pakistan. “We haven’t lost a doubles tie at home since 1998; I don’t know if it is a record or not,” said Aisam. “There was definitely more pressure on day one because I’m not used to playing singles anymore, but this win matters a lot, especially at home.” Similarly, Aqeel said that winning the doubles match to confirm Pakistan’s win was a big moment and the two made sure that they dominate against Shahgholi and Akhavand. “It was all hard work; Aisam is a world class player and I just made sure that I train in advance for the tie,” said Aqeel. “Doubles is more about the understanding between the two players and it is reassuring that we’re a good team together. In 12 years this was the first time I felt good, when it wasn’t just my teammates clapping on a good point during the match, there were more people to cheer for us. The home advantage really makes a big difference. We also played well I feel, we didn’t make any mistakes.” Both players also hailed the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) for holding the tie in the best manner. IPC Minister Pirzada expresses pleasure: Minister for Sports Riaz Hussain Pirzada expressed pleasure over the visit of Iran’s national tennis team to play the Davis Cup ties in Pakistan during an interview with the Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Pirzada said the visit is a clear example of close and strong ties between the two friendly countries. “We are happy to host the Davis Cup in Pakistan. We in Pakistan consider Iranian tennis players as our respectable guests and hope they will take good memories of Pakistan when they go back to their country,” Pirzada told IRNA.