Tennis: New Zealand in commanding position against Pakistan

Rubin Statham hits a forehand shot at the 2015 Heineken Open. Photo / Getty Images

Finn Tearney has overwhelmed Pakistan number two Samir Iftikhar in straight sets to put New Zealand in a commanding position after day one of the Asia Oceania group 1 Davis Cup tie against Pakistan in Christchurch.

The 25 year old New Zealand number one crushed his opponent 6-2,6-0,6-0 following Rubin Statham's equally impressive 6-0,6-1,6-4 win over Mohammad Abid Ali Khan Akbar in the first singles rubber.

Tearney was delighted with his performance in his first live singles rubber after being nervous at the start.

"I started playing pretty well and he allowed me to play well and I managed to execute and it was a good first day. I have always wanted to play Davis Cup and I am really stoked to get my first win." Tearney said.

New Zealand lead the tie 2-0 and will retain their place in Asia/Oceania Group 1 with victory in tomorrow's doubles.

Michael Venus with a world ranking of 41 and Marcus Daniell ranked 56 are expected to be far too strong for Pakistan captain Aqeel Khan and Akbar.

Statham had given New Zealand the perfect start on a record breaking day for the 29 year old.

The Kiwi number two marked breaking Onny Parun's Davis Cup record 25 ties with a crushing straight sets win over Pakistan number two Mohammad Abid Ali Khan Akbar.

"It was a great match and I played really well the first two sets with error free tennis." Statham said.

But he revealed he was struggling with cramp in the third set and had been touch and go to play in the tie.

"It's been a crazy ride getting prepared for this tie it seemed the tennis gods didn't want it to happen. Last week in Toronto I got sick and had had a tonne of matches in a row and was looking doubtful for the tie. I pulled my back in Toronto and literally couldn't walk. But the team physio has been amazing and has worked on me the last four days to get me ready." Statham said.

New Zealand captain Alistair Hunt praised both Statham and Tearney for their dominant performances.

"Rubin is just an old servant of the game and is doing well and it was fantastic to get the job done. Finn coming out, your hardest win is your first win and he's got a big future going forward."

The doubles rubber will start at 3pm tomorrow.

For score updates during the tie follow Tennis NZ on Twitter @tennisnz