KARACHI
Pakistan’s under-12 tennis team registered an impressive 2–1 victory over New Zealand on Wednesday in the ATF 12 & Under Intercontinental Team Competition 2025, being played in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
Rashid Ali played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s triumph, first winning his singles match against Hadley Erb of New Zealand 6–1, 7–5. However, in the second singles, Muhammad Shayan went down 4–6, 4–6 to Lukas Necas, leaving the tie evenly poised at 1–1.
With the outcome hinging on the doubles, Rashid and Shayan combined brilliantly to outclass the New Zealand pair of Necas and Erb 6–1, 6–3, sealing the tie for Pakistan.
Pakistan, drawn in Group C alongside Korea and New Zealand, had lost narrowly to Korea 2–1 in their opening encounter on Tuesday. The win against New Zealand kept Pakistan’s campaign alive as they advanced to face Australia in the quarterfinals.
“This is a remarkable victory for our young team,” said Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF). “Even against top sides like Korea, our boys showed great fight. I hope they continue this form going forward.”
PTF Secretary-General Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail also congratulated the team, praising their fighting spirit and expressing confidence in their continued progress in the tournament.
The competition features 12 participating nations, including Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, South America (COSAT), Africa (CAT), Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Korea, New Zealand, Pacific Oceania, Pakistan, and Thailand.
Pakistan will take on Australia in the quarterfinals.
