By Marie Louise Principe
Chiba, Japan, September 18, 2021 – Australia bested Pakistan in straight sets 3-0 (25-16, 26-24, 25-23), on Saturday afternoon at the 21st Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship in Chiba Port Arena.
Australia’s Curtis Stockton scored a total of 19 points, from 16 attacks and three service winners He ran the right-side hits and served up the aces to set the tone in the opening set. Max Staples handled the passing unit. The Volleyroos also lined up well on block defense with captain Nehemiah Mote. Setter Arshdeep Dosanjh also helped out in blocking, and even took the express attacks on the second ball.
Pakistan likewise looked to run a good middle game, but they seemed to lack the usual composure they have previously displayed. They were rather hapless in transition plays and they could not seem to establish their usual tempo.
Australia took the first set, 25-16, with a Staples service winner.
In the next set, Pakistan tried to improve their offensive rhythm. By then, they could handle to transition well, get good coverage at the backcourt and set up nicely. Murad Khan connected from the right side, while Musawer Khan went for the middle attack, which helped Pakistan maintain the lead.
The Australian side started serving better, unleashing aces which helped disrupt their opponents’ momentum. They also performed better in block-defense, which helped overtake their opponents, 20-19.
Australia later headed to set point but two back-to-back Pakistan putbacks extended the set.
Max Senica settled the second set with a swing from the left flank, for Australia’s 26-24 win.
By the following set, Pakistan tried to crack down on their opponents’ attacks.
Australia employed faster plays in order to outrun the blocks that confronted them.
Stockton and Malachi Murch found ways to connect at the flank, by sending off-speed, or off-the-block hits.
The Pakistan side responded tightened the block even more, but also need to find their points elsewhere. They ran the left-side and the pipe attack on Usman Fayrad Ali, to help bring the set to a close contest.
The Volleyroos took the match point and closed out at 25-23 with a middle attack from Trent O’Dea.
Australia captured the title in the competition’s 2007 edition held in Jakarta, Indonesia. They will look to finish in fifth place as they meet Qatar on Sunday in Chiba Port Arena.
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