Pakistan to meet Bahrain in AVC Nations Cup final
Agencies
Manama (Bahrain)
Pakistan set up AVC Nations Cup 2025 final with Bahrain as they beatQatar 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-21) in the semi-final on Monday.
The victory avenged Pakistan's loss to Qatar in last year's AVC Challenge Cup final and marked their most impressive performance of the tournament. Pakistan will meet Bahrain in the final on Tuesday. Bahrain beat South Korea 3-2 (25–21, 25–23, 21–25, 18–25, 15–13) in the other semi-final.
Pakistan dominated statistically, outscoring Qatar 75-65 overall.
The team recorded 47 attack points to Qatar's 41 and posted 7 blocks against Qatar's 5. While Qatar held a slight edge in serves (2-1), Pakistan's disciplined play forced 20 errors from their opponents.
Usman Faryad Ali spearheaded the attack with a match-high 18 points (17 attacks, 1 block). Captain Murad Jehan added 16 points, all from attacks, while Murad Khan contributed 7 points.
Fahad Raza's playmaking produced 5 points, and Musawer chipped in with 4. The complete team effort overcame Qatar's higher world ranking and demonstrated Pakistan's rapid improvement.
'This victory proves rankings don't tell the whole story,' said Pakistan Volleyball Federation Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob. 'Our players showed tremendous heart and skill against one of Asia's best teams.'
Pakistan face Bahrain in Tuesday's final, with a chance to claim their first AVC Nations Cup title.
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