October 04, 2008	Saturday	Shawwal 04, 1429

KARACHI, Oct 3: Pakistan is drawn to meet Oman in the first round of Asia-Oceania zone group II tie from March 6 to 8 next year. The venue will be decided later.

After relegation to group III first time ever in 2007, Pakistan maintained a clean slate in the round robin fixtures played earlier this year in Tehran to earn promotion.

Pakistan blanked UAE, Vietnam, Syria, Iran and Malaysia by an identical margin of 3-0 to restore some of country’s pride in the game. Led by celebrity Aisamul Haq, Pakistan team consists of Aqeel Khan, Asim Shafik and Jibran Mohammadi.

Oman, on the other hand, has retained its position in Asia-Oceania zone group II defeating Pacific Oceania in the relegation play-off this year.

According to draws, Philippines faces Hong Kong China, Indonesia meets Kuwait while Malaysia is pitted against New Zealand in the other three first round ties to be played simultaneously.

The winners of each fixture will advance to the semi-finals to be played from July 10 to 12 next while the final takes place from Sept 18 to 20, 2009.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan reached the World Group play-offs for the first time in 2005 but fell to Chile. It was also one step away from qualifying for the World Group when losing the 1984 Eastern Zone final against Japan.

Pakistan is currently ranked 53rd in the Davis Cup rankings.