Malé City, Maldives, July 19, 2025 – Day 3 of the CAVA Champions League Maldives 2025 at Social Center Indoor Hall brought heart-pounding drama, emotional highs and crucial victories that reshaped the tournament landscape. Fans were treated to a rollercoaster of five-set epics, commanding sweeps, and electric performances as teams battled fiercely for supremacy.
Match 7: BKZ Outlasts Nepal in Five-Set Classic
In what could be remembered as the most gripping match of the tournament so far, BISHKEK (BKZ) edged past HELP Nepal Sports Club (HNS) in a dramatic five-set showdown, winning 3–2 (25–20, 26–28, 25–20, 17–25, 15–11). The high-stakes battle lasted 1 hour and 43 minutes, keeping all 200 spectators on the edge of their seats. BKZ’s star hitter Iliaz Abdimomun Uulu delivered a commanding 21 points, while Nurislam Medetbek Uulu anchored the defense with 14 points and an impressive 8 kill blocks.
“We knew Nepal wouldn’t make it easy. Every point was a battle. I’m proud of our composure,” said Iliaz, the BKZ captain. On the other side, Nepal’s Jehan Murad matched Iliaz point-for-point with 21 of his own, supported by Ali Usman Faryad, whose explosive spikes and efficient serves kept the match competitive.
“We fought with everything we had. This loss stings, but we’ll rise again,” said a visibly emotional Jehan Murad after the match.
Match 8: ZHK Crushes HDC in Statement Win
ZHAIYK VC (ZHK) from Kazakhstan continued their dominant run in the tournament with a commanding straight-sets victory over Club HDC, winning 3–0 (25–11, 25–19, 25–13) in just 58 minutes. Playing in front of 100 spectators, ZHK extended their undefeated streak without dropping a single set, solidifying their status as the team to beat.
Klim Ryukhov was a force at the net with 5 kill blocks, while Vitaliy Erdshtien led the offensive charge with 14 points, combining power and precision in his attacks.
“We’re not just winning, we’re making a statement every game,” said Erdshtien. Although Shamaail Hussain and Sebastian Giraldo Gomez showed glimpses of brilliance for HDC, the team struggled to keep pace with ZHK’s relentless tempo and tactical superiority.
Match 9: SLP Grinds Out First Victory Over DSC
Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLP) secured their first win of the tournament with a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC), with set scores of 25–20, 25–23, 20–25, and 25–23. The match, played in front of a lively crowd of 200 spectators, lasted 1 hour and 36 minutes and showcased SLP’s growing cohesion and fighting spirit.
Wasanthapriya Lasindu spearheaded the win with an impressive 18 points, while Akindu Subasingha played a vital all-round role, providing both offensive firepower and defensive stability.
“This win was about belief. We’re back in the race,” Lasindu said after the match, highlighting the emotional significance of the team’s breakthrough performance.
Despite the loss, DSC showed determination throughout, with Khan Afaq once again proving his value by scoring a team-high 20 points. However, critical unforced errors in tight moments ultimately cost them the match.
“We were close, but the small margins hurt. We’ll reset and return stronger,” said team member Ismail, reflecting on the team’s effort and resolve to bounce back.
After the completion of Day 3 of the CAVA Champions League Maldives 2025, ZHAIYK VC (ZHK) from Kazakhstan sit firmly at the top of the table with 3 wins from 3 matches. The team remain unbeaten and have yet to drop a single set, earning a perfect 9 points and an impressive sets ratio of 9.000 and a points ratio of 1.479, making them the tournament frontrunners.
BISHKEK (BKZ) follow closely in second place, also undefeated with 3 wins. However, having been pushed to five sets in one of their matches, they sit just behind ZHK with 8 points and a solid sets ratio of 3.000 and points ratio of 1.092.
HELP Nepal Sports Club (HNS) hold third place with 2 wins and 1 loss, collecting 6 points. Their strong performances are reflected in a sets ratio of 1.333 and a points ratio of 1.023, keeping them in close contention for a top spot.
In fourth place is Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLP), who picked up their first win on Day 3. They now have 3 points with a sets ratio of 0.714 and points ratio of 0.881, giving them a slight edge in the mid-table battle.
Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC), despite showing potential in several matches, is still searching for their first victory. They sit in fifth place with 1 point, a sets ratio of 0.333, and a points ratio of 0.891.
At the bottom of the standings is Club HDC, which remain winless and point-less after three matches. With a sets ratio of 0.111 and a points ratio of 0.814, they will need a dramatic turnaround in the coming days to stay in the competition.
Next Up: Rest Day on Sunday – Action Returns Monday, July 21
Match 10 of the CAVA Champions League Maldives 2025 will see a high-stakes clash between ZHAIYK VC (ZHK) and HELP Nepal Sports Club (HNS), scheduled to begin at 13:00. This encounter promises to be one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament, as the undefeated ZHK side take on a determined HNS team looking to bounce back from a narrow loss.
ZHK have been flawless so far, not dropping a single set in their three matches. Their combination of power and discipline has made them the team to beat, with Vitaliy Erdshtien leading the attack with clinical spikes, and Klim Ryukhov dominating at the net with his blocking skills.
HNS, on the other hand, have shown tremendous resilience and firepower throughout the tournament. Jehan Murad, one of the competition’s top scorers, will be a key figure once again, supported by the dynamic and versatile Ali Usman Faryad, whose all-round skills have been crucial for the team.
“We respect ZHK, but we’re not here to admire, we’re here to win,” said HNS captain Subas Kunwar, setting the tone for what could be a fiercely competitive and emotionally charged encounter. Fans can expect explosive rallies, sharp tactics, and a battle of wills as two of the tournament’s top sides go head-to-head.
Match 11 of the CAVA Champions League Maldives 2025 will see Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC) take on the undefeated BISHKEK (BKZ) at 16:30. For DSC, this match represents a crucial opportunity to earn their first victory in the tournament, while BKZ will be looking to maintain their perfect record and strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
DSC have shown flashes of potential in previous matches but have struggled to close out sets. Leading their charge will be Khan Afaq, a powerful spiker who has consistently delivered points, and Razzan Hussain, known for his strong serves and backcourt support. The team will need to find early rhythm and reduce unforced errors if they hope to challenge their formidable opponents.
BKZ, on the other hand, enter the match full of confidence, having won all three of their games so far. Their offense will once again be led by Iliaz Abdimomun Uulu, whose scoring consistency has been instrumental, while Nurislam Medetbek Uulu continues to be a blocking machine at the net.
“Every match teaches us. Monday is our moment,” said DSC’s Ismail Sajid, expressing the team’s hope and determination to turn their campaign around in front of the home crowd.
Match 12 of the CAVA Champions League Maldives 2025 will close out Day 4 with Club HDC facing off against Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLP) at 20:45. It’s a crucial encounter for both sides, SLP are riding high after their first win, while HDC are still searching for a breakthrough and desperate to redeem themselves in front of their supporters.
For HDC, the match is a chance to reset and prove their potential after a string of tough losses. Key players like Shamaail Hussain and Sebastian Giraldo Gomez will be vital if the team are to turn their fortunes around. Both have shown individual flashes of skill, but HDC will need a more cohesive team effort to overcome a surging SLP side.
SLP, on the other hand, enter the match with renewed confidence after a gritty victory over DSC. Their top scorer, Wasanthapriya Lasindu, continues to be the offensive heartbeat of the team, while Akindu Subasingha provides balance and stability on both offense and defense.
“We’re finally finding our rhythm. Monday will reveal who we are,” said Lasindu, signaling the team’s growing confidence and hunger to climb further up the standings. With both teams eager to prove themselves, fans can expect an intense and emotionally charged battle to end the day.
Stay tuned as Day 4 promises more high-octane volleyball and turning points in the race for the CAVA Champions League crown.
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