Pakistan set up volleyball title decider against Turkmenistan

ISLAMABAD: Unbeaten Pakistan ended the round-robin proceedings with yet another emphatic win against Iran’s emerging team to set up the Central Asian Volleyball title decider against Turkmenistan at the Liaquat Gymnasium today (Friday).

In Thursday’s last league match, Pakistan easily managed Iran with a four-set win 25-18, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20. Pakistan turned out to be the only team in the competition that stayed unbeaten in the round-robin league with Turkmenistan finishing second on the points table.

Iran’s young team struggled throughout the tournament suffering their third defeat in the competition and have relegated to avoid the wooden spoon. They will take on the winless Afghanistan team on Friday for the fifth and sixth position match.

Sri Lanka will take on Kyrgyzstan for the bronze medal before the final springs into action for the trophy later Friday evening. On Thursday, Pakistan again were seen led by Aimal Khan with his powerful smashes backed by double blocks with the help of his teammates. Barring the second set where Iran were seen matching Pakistan in all departments, they were far behind in the quality and accuracy that the host team put on display.

For Iran, Ariakhan Pouya and Seyed Morteza were outstanding during the second set that went down to the wire with Iran coming up as the winner at the end. Besides, Aimal, Afaq Khan, and Musawer also showed glimpses of brilliance. Pakistan totally dominated the fourth set with Iran struggling to match the quality of the game on display by the hosts.

“I think we played well throughout the tournament and that is why we are unbeaten in the competition so far. Every Pakistan player played his best game. Teams here are good but making it to the final and beating every team is a welcoming sign,” Afaq Khan said after the match. Aimal was also excited at the outcome and hoped to win the title on Friday.

“Turkmenistan are a very good side but we are playing excellent volleyball. Hopefully, we will come up with winners Insha’Allah. I would request all the fans to come in numbers and support Pakistan team in the final on Friday,” he said.