Pakistan spikers triumph against Macau
Consistent in their attack line and emphatic with their spiking an acrobatic Pakistani squad triumphed the first fixture 25-11, 25-11, 25-12 in front of a sizeable audience present at the Liaquat Gymnasium.
Captain Zaheer Abbas, 20, attributed Pakistan’s good fortunes to their resolute technical application and tactical training crafted by the Iranian coach Ali Reza Moameri.
Talking to Dawn, Zaheer said: “We are eyeing the next round and this was all a team effort backed by good coaching”.
Pakistan also had a clear edge of heights against Macau who were good at receiving the serves and smashes rather than returning them allowing the green shirts to clinch every single point.
“It was not a tough call and now we are hungry for another win against Bangladesh” added Zaheer.
Pakistan face Bangladesh who defeated Maldives in another fixture.
At the outset of the first set Macau, led by captain Ka Hei Chan, appeared to be confused as Pakistan was cheered on profusely on every single point by the home crowd.The green shirts were leading 5-0 when Macau first opened their score card 6-1.
Backed by powerful smashes struck by Naseer and Zaheer, Pakistan inched swiftly to 12-7 within a short span of ten minutes closing the first set at 25-11 while gaining three service aces.
The green shirts took full advantage of the Iranian technical video analyzer as the coach Ali Reza was constantly guided by him about the on court weak points of the team.
Pakistan dominated the second set recording a win in the same fashion 25-11.
However, the overconfident hosts [Pakistani] were seen to be in a bit of trouble in the third set when some miscommunication between the blockers and receivers led to a neck to neck fight against the opponents as the points table moved 1-0, 1-1, 3-2, and 6-4.
Pakistan recovered from the short-filler packed with confusion as the coach advised them to get more compose themselves and stay focussed.
Some consecutive service aces helped Pakistan claim three straight points against Macau as they won the last set 25-12.
Earlier, in another fixture Bangladesh won easily against minnows Maldives 25-13, 25-21 and 25-22.
“Low temperature and lack of experience resulted in our exit from the fixture against Bangladesh” said the captain of Maldives squad, Mohamed Sajid.
Maldives could not contain the Bangladeshi squad as their spikers started the first set at a very fast pace scoring point after point through ace services of Maqsood ul Haq and powerful spikes of left handed Mamoon.
Bangladesh, wrapped the first set 25-13 against a sloppy Maldives team.
Both teams displayed long rallies in the second set as Maldivian’s squad gave a tough time to their rivals.
However, Rafique and Mamoon from Bangladesh gave their team an edge over their fighting opponent and won the second set 25-21.
Bangladesh closed the game against Maldives 25-22.
Thursday’s Fixtures
Macau v Maldives 2.00pm; Pakistan v Bangladesh 5.00pm.