Manama, Bahrain, August 1, 2024 – Iran took one step closer to qualifying for the semi-finals in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship with a resounding 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-20) victory over Thailand at Isa Sport City Hall C on Thursday.
After convincingly taking the first set, the Iranians were tested in the second. But after the Thais managed to forge a 22-all tie, a service error by Krittin Damji gifted the Iranians the go-ahead point, and then Iran captain Mohammad Amin Rahimi delivered a fine serve that could not be returned by Thais for set point.
Although the Thais took the ensuing rally, the Iranians secured the two-set advantage following a net fault called on their rivals. Iran went for the kill in the third frame to seal the contest.
Noureyni Amir Naderi was Iran’s top scorer with 21 points, while Mohammadnima Bateni added 13 and Rahimi had 10. Sorasak Phunsanong paced the Thais with nine points, while Jirayu Simtama contributed seven in the loss.
With the result, Iran went to four points in the Pool E standings as the three points from Thursday added to their point from a five-set loss to China, which has been carried over from pool play. The Thais are on two points, which they earned from their 3-2 win against Bahrain in the preliminaries.
Iran face host Bahrainis on Friday night, while the Thais take on China as both teams wrap up their battle for a place in the final four.
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