Pakistan thwart Australia in Volleyball series opener

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Volleyball team recorded a dominating 3-0 victory over Australia at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex here on Tuesday. 

The home side started the series opener on a high as they secured the first set with a score of 25-22.

Both sides went hard at each other in the second set but the Pakistan volleyball team clung to their basics and displayed remarkable blocking and quick reflexes and thus, managed to seal the second set with the same scoreline.

The home side continued their dominance in the third and decisive set by winning it 25-20 to highlight their adaptability to pressure and ability to capitalize on the opposition’s errors.

The second and third matches of the series between Pakistan and Australia will be played on May 29 and May 30 respectively. Both the remaining fixtures will start at 6:30 PM local time.

For the unversed, Australia’s volleyball squad reached here on Sunday to embark on their first-ever tour to Pakistan for an international series.

The series was organised by the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) at the request of the Australian Volleyball Federation.

The visiting team received a warm welcome on their arrival at Islamabad International Airport from the officials of the PVF.

“All matches will be starting from 6:30 PM and entry of the fans and supporters are free”, Chaudhry Muhammad Yaqoob, Chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation announced.

“It will be a cracker of a series as Pakistan has recently won the Central Asian title while Australia is ranked much higher. Both teams are preparing for the Challenge Cup to be held in Bahrain next month,” he added.

READ: Pakistan-England third T20I toss delayed due to rain