Pakistan crush Uzbekistan to book Asian Games quarter final spot

National volleyball team sweeps Uzbekistan 3-0 to secure second consecutive victory

Pakistan powered into the quarter-finals on Monday after defeating Uzbekistan 3-0 in their second Group A match of the volleyball event at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

Pakistan registered a 25-18, 25-18, 25-20 victory, securing their second win and confirming their place among the last eight teams.

At the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium, Pakistan dominated proceedings from the opening set, establishing an early lead and applying consistent pressure to prevent Uzbekistan from producing a sustained comeback.

Pakistan claimed the opening set 25-18 after building a seven-point advantage. Uzbekistan struggled to reduce the deficit as Pakistan maintained control of the rallies and moved ahead in the contest.

The second set unfolded in much the same manner, with Pakistan once again reaching 25 points while restricting Uzbekistan to 18, moving closer to completing a straight-sets victory.

Uzbekistan offered stronger resistance during the third set, but Pakistan retained control and closed it out 25-20 to complete the clean sweep.

Pakistan manager Naseer Ahmad expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.

“Today we played well,” Naseer told The Express Tribune from Japan.

“We could win 3-0 even against Kazakhstan, but it was our first game and the boys needed some adjustment,” said Naseer, a former Pakistan captain. He remained hopeful that the team could also overcome hosts Japan.

“Our charges have the capability to beat Japan. You know how tough the Japanese team is, but we will try our level best to beat them,” said Naseer, who has extensive experience playing in professional leagues.

Pakistan’s lineup featured setter Abu Bakar Siddique, outside hitters Afaq Khan and captain Murad Jehan, opposites Muhammad Yahya, Murad Khan and Fahad Raza, setters Hamid Yazman and Siddique, middle blockers Jabran, Muhammad Hamad and Musawer Khan, and libero Khizar Hayat.

Usman Faryad Ali also featured among Pakistan’s outside hitters.

Hong Kong’s Leung Yin Yan served as the first referee, while Qatar’s Fahad Mohammed I A Alawadhi was the second referee. Pakistan will now face hosts Japan in their final group match on Tuesday.

Pakistan had beaten Kazakhstan 3-1 in their opening match on Sunday. The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the quarter-finals.