BAHRAIN: Pakistan's national volleyball team delivered a dominant performance to defeat Qatar and secure a spot in the final of the AVC Nations Cup 2025, currently being held in Manama, Bahrain.
In the semifinal clash, world No. 42 Pakistan stunned world No. 23 Qatar with straight-set victories of 25-22, 25-22, and 25-21. With this triumph, Pakistan not only advanced to the final but also avenged their loss to Qatar in last year’s AVC Challenge Cup final.
Pakistan maintained complete control throughout the match, finishing with an aggregate score of 75-65. The Green Shirts led in attack points (47-41) and blocks (7-5). Although Qatar held a slight edge in service points (2-1), Pakistan’s composed and disciplined play forced their opponents into 20 unforced errors.
Key to Pakistan's triumph was the stellar performance of Usman Fareed Ali, who led the team with 18 points. Captain Murad Jehan contributed significantly with 16 points, while Murad Khan added 7. Fahad Raza's playmaking earned 5 points, and Musawwar chipped in with 4 points, showcasing a strong team effort where multiple players stepped up to secure the win.
Chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, Muhammad Yaqoob, lauded the team's achievement, stating, "This victory proves that rankings are not everything. Our players displayed exceptional spirit and skill against one of Asia's top teams." His remarks underscore the team's determination and ability to perform beyond expectations on the international stage. Pakistan will now compete for their maiden AVC Nations Cup title in tomorrow's final, aiming to cap off their remarkable tournament run with a historic win.
