Pakistan thrash Australia to go 1-0 up

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan toppled world No 21 Australia in straight sets to go 1-0 up in the three-match volleyball series here at the Liaquat Gymnasium Tuesday.

In what turned out to be an emphatic display of powerful serves and excellent double blocking, Pakistan won 25-22, 25-22, 25-20. It was Pakistan’s first ever win against Australia at a volleyball court. A few years back Pakistan won two opening sets against Australia in Asia Oceania Volleyball before losing a five-setter.

“I am really excited at winning the opening match of the series. Every player gave his best. Though we did not play our best player Aimal Khan, the rest of the lot showed their form and strength to win the day,” Pakistan captain Murad Jehan said.

The third set was a true match of Pakistan team’s forceful volleyball as the players gained full momentum, getting in front from the outset and tainting the lead throughout to win the day.

Pakistan had an upper hand to start with, getting three points lead at the outset of the match, getting along smoothly with some exciting smashes backed by power serves by Usman Faryad.

Murad also contributed to the cause wherever it was needed. Some brilliant blocking also served Pakistan purpose as the hosts managed a 10-7 lead and then got clear with some aggressive display.

Australia made some inroads through Luke Perry and Trent O’Dea to plug the gap but it was too little too late for the Aussies. The visitors started the second set as clear favourites, maintaining three-point gap in the second set. When it looked that Australia will easily make it 1-1, Pakistan bounced back mid-way through the second set, upsetting Aussies tempo led by their skipper Nehemiah Mote. Murad Khan and Muhammad Hammad made some exciting blocking to take the initiative back from Australia. Back-to-back blocking helped Pakistan squeeze ahead in the second set.