Pakistan makes it to quarter-finals of AVC Nations Cup

Pakistan on Thursday conquered Chinese Taipei 3-2 to qualify for the quarter-finals of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup being held in Manama, Bahrain.

This was the second successive win from Pakistan and they topped Pool C and will now face the second-placed side from Pool A in the quarter-finals and it could be either Indonesia or Bahrain.

In the tough show, Pakistan made a fine start when they lifted the first two sets 25-20, 25-22. However, at this stage Chinese Taipei staged a stunning comeback and secured solid 25-21, 25-16 wins in the next two sets to level the score 2-2.

The fifth and decisive set was also very tough but Pakistan kept their cool in the end to secure a couple of key points which helped them to win the set 18-16 and so sealed a much-needed win.

Pakistan’s reception in the third and fourth sets was not up to the mark.

Pakistan Volleyball Federation’s (PVF) chairman Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob said that Pakistan does not play well when under pressure.

“You saw in the first two sets we played good volleyball but the issue is when our boys come under pressure, they lose their way and we will need to work on it,” Yaqoob told Nukta after the match.

“Chinese Taipei are a good side. We have height advantage but they are too speedy. This is the key element in yellow races as they are too fast and their reflexes are too sharp,” the official said.

“Now we are in the quarter-finals and this phase is too vital for us and let’s see how it happens onwards,” Yaqoob said.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Aimal Khan was not happy with the way the team played.

“Our team is weak,” Aimal told Nukta.

“The reception today was not up to the mark and changes were also not spot on,” Aimal said.

“But its good sign that we at least qualified for the quarter-finals and our real test will begin there. The team will need to raise the game in the phase which matters the most,” he said.

Pakistan had downed Philippines in their opener 3-1 the other day to make a solid start to the event.

Iranian coach Rahman Mohammadirad is handling Pakistan in the event. He has recently shifted his family from Tehran to another city due to war between Iran and Israel. The other day in an exclusive interview with Nukta he had showed his concerns for his family and his country which has been passing through tough time.