Pakistan booked their spot in the Asian Volleyball Federation quarter-finals after an electrifying five-set victory over Chinese Taipei in Manama, Bahrain, on Thursday. The high-stakes Pool ‘C’ match delivered edge-of-the-seat action as Pakistan clinched a 3-2 win, topping their group and advancing confidently to the knockout stage.
Pakistan dominated the opening sets with scores of 25-20 and 25-22, showcasing strong coordination, composed attacking, and strategic serving. Led by their star attacker Murad Khan, the team maintained early momentum, pressing Chinese Taipei into errors and capitalizing on transition play.
However, the tide turned in the third set as Chinese Taipei mounted a fierce comeback, claiming it 25-21 and then overwhelming Pakistan in the fourth with a dominant 25-16. With the match now hanging in the balance, the deciding fifth set turned into an intense battle of nerves and stamina.
In a dramatic finale, Pakistan held their ground under immense pressure, edging out Chinese Taipei 18-16 in the final set. The win not only secured the match but also cemented Pakistan’s place at the top of Pool ‘C’.
The victory was fueled by key individual performances:
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Murad Khan led the attack, delivering powerful spikes and clutch points throughout the match.
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Murad Jehan impressed with sharp defensive plays, especially in the tense fifth set.
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Musawer Khan remained a consistent contributor in both service and attack phases.
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Usman Faryad Ali stood strong at the net, disrupting Chinese Taipei with crucial blocks.
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Fahad Raza played a pivotal role in keeping the team coordinated during transitions and rallies.
The result means Pakistan will now face the second-placed team from Pool ‘A’ — either Bahrain or Indonesia — in the quarter-finals. The Pakistan Volleyball Federation is expected to announce the official fixture once final standings are confirmed.
This victory continues Pakistan’s impressive run in the tournament and reflects the rising standard of volleyball in the country. With momentum on their side and a squad full of determined performers, the team will look to carry this energy into the quarter-finals and beyond.
