In a tension-ridden game in front of 6,000 fans, the two men slugged it out for 4hr 35mins before the giant Verkerk won 5-7, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (9/7), 12-10.

Experienced campaigner Sjeng Schalken, ranked 13 in the world, then brushed aside Prakash Amritraj, the world number 324, 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 to give the Dutch a 2-0 lead in just one hour and 27 minutes.

Victory in Saturday's doubles will mean a place in the World Group next year while India will play in the Asia zone.

Despite his defeat, Bopanna was overjoyed with his performance.

"I played the best match of my career," said the 23-year-old.

"I felt very good on the surface and played with confidence. I didn't feel any pressure.

"I now know that today I played at a level that could get me into the top 100."

Verkerk paid tribute to his opponent.

"I have never played against a player ranked beyond 300 but he is someone who is more talented than his ranking shows," said Verkerk after his first ever victory in the Davis Cup.

Bopanna, ranked a lowly 344 by the ATP, had been regarded as mere fodder for Verkerk who has risen to 14 in the world following his surprise run to the final of the French Open in June.

But there have been signs in recent weeks that all was not well with Verkerk managing only two wins for six defeats since his triumphs at Roland Garros.

Bopanna took early control of the match moving the slower Verkerk around the court to win it 7-5.