Pakistan edge Chinese Taipei to enter quarters

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan national men’s volleyball team delivered a thrilling performance Thursday, defeating Chinese Taipei in a five-set nail-biter to top Pool C and secure their place in the quarter-finals of the AVC Nations Cup 2025, being held in Manama (Bahrain).

The match was one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament so far, filled with high-paced rallies, incredible comebacks, and outstanding individual brilliance from both sides. Pakistan took an early lead by winning the first two sets 25-20 and 25-22, showing confidence and control on the court. However, Chinese Taipei responded strongly, taking the third and fourth sets 25-21 and 25-16, pushing the match into a decisive fifth set.

In a dramatic and intense final set, Pakistan held their nerves and edged past Chinese Taipei with a score of 18-16, securing an exciting 3-2 victory. Pakistan will face the second-ranked team from Pool A, which is yet to be decided between Bahrain and Indonesia. Their match outcome will determine Pakistan’s next opponents.

Speaking after the match, PVF Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob expressed his satisfaction in the team’s performance: “This was a historic win. The team showed tremendous fighting spirit and composure under pressure. The boys have made the whole nation proud. We’re confident that they will carry this momentum into the knockout stages.”