Pakistan face India in SA Games Volleyball final

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and arch rivals India are set for intriguing final in the 13th South Asian Games following their convincing wins in the semis in Kathmandu (Nepal) Sunday.

Pakistan spikers put up a strong display to oust Bangladesh 25-15, 25-21, 26-24 while India lost one set before overcoming Sri Lanka 3-1 in the second semi-final. Both teams will now play the gold medal match on December 3.

In a match against Bangladesh, after winning the first set convincingly, Pakistan coach tried young players in the next two considering that they would be able to pull it through but in the process Pakistan team faced tough resistance from Bangladesh in the next two sets. Pakistan replaced Aimal, Mubashar, Zaheer and even setter Kashif. In place of Mubashar, Fahad was given a chance. Haider replaced Aimal and Hamid Zaman replaced Kashif. Young player Abdullah replaced Zaheer for central block. However, Pakistan young guns held on to their nerves to win the next two.

Pakistan and India are considered as teams having almost equal strength. The team that succeeds in putting up a better and aggressive display is expected to carry the day on Tuesday. Pakistan team have the advantage of winning against India the last two times they met-at Asian Games in Jakarta in August 2018 and in the recently held Asian Senior Men’s Championship at Tehran, Iran.