Pakistan rout Bhutan 3-0 to extend winning run at Billie Jean King Cup
Pakistan continued their flawless start at the Billie Jean King Cup in Islamabad. The hosts defeated Bhutan 3-0 on Thursday at the PTF Tennis Complex. It was their second straight 3-0 victory in the Asia/Oceania Group III event.
The result followed Wednesday’s opening tie, in which Pakistan blanked Bahrain by the same scoreline. Two ties, two whitewashes, and not a set dropped.
Ruthless singles display
Ushna Suhail set the tone in the first singles rubber. She beat Tandin Dorji 6-0, 6-0 in a match that was never in doubt.
Mahin Aftab Qureshi followed with an identical scoreline. She defeated Tenzin Wangsel Lhaden 6-0, 6-0 to give Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead before the doubles.
Both rubbers were finished in quick time. Bhutan’s players barely had a foothold in either contest.
Debutants seal the doubles rubber
The doubles rubber gave Pakistan a chance to blood new talent. Debutants Romaisa Malik and Hajra Sohail represented Pakistan in the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time. They beat Kinley Yangden and Tandin Tsheyang Wangmo 6-1, 6-4.
The 6-1 opening set was as comfortable as the singles. Bhutan pushed harder in the second, but the debutants held their nerve to close out the tie at 6-4.
What Group III means for the hosts
This is the first time Pakistan has hosted the Billie Jean King Cup. That makes the start doubly encouraging for the home camp.
Group III is the entry tier of the Asia/Oceania zone. The pool stage decides which teams earn promotion toward Group II. Back-to-back 3-0 wins put Pakistan in a strong position in their group, with the hosts looking every bit the team to beat.
Pakistan face Maldives on Friday. Maldives also opened with a 3-0 win, against Bahrain, so that tie should provide a stiffer test.
Other Billie Jean King Cup results from Islamabad
Maldives beat Bahrain 3-0. Qatar beat Kuwait 3-0. Iran beat Jordan 3-0.
The event has turned the PTF Tennis Complex into a busy international venue this week. Home success in front of local supporters is the ideal backdrop as Pakistan chase promotion.
Pakistan’s sporting calendar at home and abroad has been busy this year (squash silver and volleyball at the Asian Games). A Billie Jean King Cup promotion push would add another highlight.
Sources: Dawn reported Pakistan’s 3-0 win over Bhutan and The Express Tribune covered the tie.
FAQ
What was the score in Pakistan vs Bhutan at the Billie Jean King Cup?
Pakistan won 3-0. Ushna Suhail and Mahin Aftab Qureshi both won their singles rubbers 6-0, 6-0, and debutants Romaisa Malik and Hajra Sohail won the doubles 6-1, 6-4.
Where is the Billie Jean King Cup being played?
At the PTF Tennis Complex in Islamabad. This is the first time Pakistan has hosted the event.
Who do Pakistan play next?
Pakistan face Maldives on Friday. Maldives also won their opening tie 3-0, against Bahrain.
What is at stake in Group III?
Group III is the Asia/Oceania zone’s entry tier. Results in the pool stage decide which teams earn promotion toward Group II.
