ISLAMABAD: Highly-ranked Kazakhstan (world No 21) will start as favourites against Pakistan (ranked 46) in the Davis Cup World Group Play-Off tie in Astana (Kazakhstan) today (Saturday).

Leading youngsters Muzammil Murtaza and Huzaifa Abdul Rehman will be playing the opening day’s singles. Muzammil will take on A Shevchenko in the first singles followed by Huzaifa facing Zhukayev in the second singles.

Both Pakistan players would be playing the opening singles as underdogs against high-quality Kazakhstan players. Aqeel Khan and Muzammil will be playing doubles Sunday morning with Muzammil Murtaza and Huzaifa Abdul Rehman again will be seen playing the reverse singles on the same day.

Pakistan could change the reverse singles combination considering the results of the first three matches. Speaking ahead of the tie, Captain Haseeb Aslam stated: “Our team is a balanced combination of experienced and young players.

We have trained hard and are fully prepared to compete at our best.” Veteran player Aqeel Khan acknowledged the strength of the opponents but also remained optimistic about Pakistan’s chances.

“Kazakhstan are a strong side with top-class players but we have also put in the hard work. We are ready to give our best performance on the court.” Rising stars Muzammil Murtaza and Huzaifa Abdul Rehman expressed their excitement for the matches.

“We are looking forward to tomorrow’s matches and will give our best effort to secure victory for Pakistan,” they stated. Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi extended his best wishes to the team, saying: “Give your 100 percent on the court. The whole nation is behind you and we have complete trust in your abilities.”