MUMBAI: Leander Paes, two sets up in the fifth and decisive reverse singles against Aqeel Khan, turned around a script that had gone bizarre after an attack of cramps in the third.
The Indian captain played through pain, held his nerve and game together somehow for two more sets before riding a wave of public support to fashion a thrilling victory in the decider.
India won 3-2 after being stretched beyond the limit in the BNP-Paribas Asia/Oceania Group I play-offs at the Brabourne stadium on Sunday.
"I'm proud to be an Indian today," he said, wrapping the tricolour around the shoulders.
Prakash Amritraj, consumed by stage fright in the first reverse singles against a rampaging Aisam Qureshi, recovered a little of poise under extreme pressure but not enough to prevent Pakistan draw level 2-2.
India is proud that you are an Indian
Paes to India's rescue again from The Hindu
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