ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: Continuing their winning streak after beating Macau, Pakistan volleyball squad did the nation proud by trouncing a struggling Bangladesh 3-0 in the first qualifying round of the World Volleyball Championship-2010 at the Liaquat Gymnasium on Thursday. After winning two straight games, against Macau and Bangladesh, Pakistan have qualified for the second round of the World Championship slated to be held in Thailand.

Despite the fact that Bangladesh opened the score card of the first set 0-1, Pakistan came from behind after the oncourt short rally equaling the points at 1-1, 2-2 and 4-4.

It was the oncourt professionalism of Imran Shah, 20, backed with good acrobatic ability, supported by his teammates as he received some of the most difficult smashes and slow balls directed towards them by their oppononents.

Imran saved five valuable points for the greenshirts as the flabbergasted Bangladeshis were eagerly looking for a lead in the first set 17-13.

Talking to Dawn Imran said: “My reach towards the ball is a God gifted thing and also due to the prayers of my parents and good coaching which helped me to dive to my maximum ability. ”

“My job was to save as much points for Pakistan by receiving even the most hard hitting smashes or sudden slow balls.”

The visitors, however, made a good comeback when they inched the scorecard in their favour at 18-10, 18-11 and 19-12 against Pakistan.

It was at this point that Pakistan coach Ali Reza Moameri, replaced Zaheer, after he put up a sloppy game display, with Muneer.

However, Pakistan eventually finished the first set 25-16.

In the second set Pakistan took advantage of pressure tactics and home ground when they edged past the Bangladeshi players by a good lead of seven points 18-11. Mohib Rasool from Pakistan also took two service aces as the score card moved to 20-11.

The second set saw long rallies displayed by both teams while the Bangladeshi officials took few technical time outs.

The Bangladeshi squad gained some points 17-12, 17-13, 17-14. But bad luck haunted Bangladesh as they lost the second set against the hosts 25-19.

In the decider Pakistani spikers with cohesive teamwork glided to an easy win. The Bangladeshi blockers failed to block good smashes struck by Naseer Ahmed and Mohib Rasool.

Pakistan closed the final chapter at 25-13. Speaking to the media, after an exciting win Ali Reza said: “This is just a warm-up and training session for the young Pakistan team as the original competition will begin in the second and third round.”

Mohammad Nazar-ul-Islam, Bangladesh captain, said: “Pakistan are more professional than us and have a better training and team understanding.”

Earlier, in another fixture minnows Maldives shocked Macau after a tough fight winning the match 3-1.

In the first set Maldives spikers took an early lead through powerful spikes and lifted the first set 25-23.

Macau fought back in the second set with renewed determination, good blocking and powerful smashing and created a stir in the Maldives ranks winning the second set 20-25 to level the match.

The Maldives squad however, attained rhythm in the third set as they scored some quick points to enhance their lead against the opponents.

Macau’s spikers went for some unforced errors as they lost the third set 25-16. Maldives dominated the fourth set and knocked-down Macau 25-19.

Friday’s fixtures: Bangladesh v Macau, 2.00pm; Pakistan v Maldives, 5.00pm.