Asian World Championship qualification tournament
India, who downed Pakistan on the opening day, came strongly in the match against Maldives, winning the match 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-12) in only 55 minutes. The overall skills of the Indian team –serve, block and attack- proved to be too much for Maldives.
India held a 36-19 advantage in attacking and out-blocked Maldives 8-1. In the category of errors, the winners made only 20 compared with 29 by Maldives.
Pakistan got a crucial win, by holding off a battling Sri Lanka to win a thrilling tie-breaker to keep their hope of booking a ticket to the final round alive. Pakistan rallied from 1-2 set deficit to beat the host 3-2 (25-14, 22-25, 17-25, 25-17, 15-12).
Four players scored double figures with Ahmed Nasser’s 13 points topping the list of the scores for the winners, followed closely by Rasool Mohib and Khan Nasir both with 12 points, and Ali Abbas with 11 points.
Pakistan a 17-7 margin in blocks and led 5-2 in aces and finished the match with 29 errors to 30 by the beaten squad. But Sri Lanka out played their rival in spiking: 55-52.
If Pakistan beat its last opponents Maldives, it will earn seven points, ensuring their berth in the final round. India with six points in hand and Sri Lanka with four points so far will fight for the other ticket.
Thursday’s results
Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka 3-2 (25-21, 22-25, 17-25, 25-17, 15-12)
India vs. Maldives 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-12)
Match schedule
Friday, July 5
Pakistan vs. Maldives
Sri Lanka vs. India
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