(Reuters) - Kazakhstan were on the verge of reaching the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time after grabbing a surprise 2-0 lead over Australia on Friday.
Mikhail Kukushkin and Aleksandr Nedovyesov both upset their Australian opponents on the temporary grasscourts in Darwin, completing a miserable 24 hours for the former champions.
Kazakhstan number one Kukushkin quickly disposed of Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-4 6-3 6-3 before Nedovyesov upset Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (5) 6-7 (2) 7-6 (5) 6-4.
Australia, bidding to reach the semi-finals for the first time in 2006, need to win Saturday's doubles just to stay alive heading into the concluding reverse singles.