By Marie Louise Principe
Chiba, Japan, September 17, 2021 – Pakistan punched in a 3-0 victory (25-23, 25-22, 25-14) against Korea during the Quarterfinal Stage – Pool F of the 21st Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship.
Murad Khan led all scorers during Friday’s opener at Chiba Port Arena, scoring 28 points from 20 attacks, 7 blocks and a service ace.
Pakistan started with good composure in their play, utilizing Usman Faryad Ali as left-side hitter.
Han Kukmin, who provided the firepower from Korea’s right flank, was looked upon as Korea’s go-to attacker, and he delivered the points from his known spot. Kim Dongmin helped with the left wing .
Pakistan started without captain Khan Aimal, but played Murad Khan on the right side who delivered in clutch plays. The team had always shown to play well in transition, and they continued to do so. They also successfully ran several combination plays.
As teams played a tight race, with Korea committing errors in the closing plays, while Pakistan took the first set 25-23.
In the second set, Pakistan managed to impose a tight block, as they rushed to the wings to shut down their opponents’ attacks. Murad Khan was a welcome addition to Musawer Khan as they lined up well up front to set up the block.
Korea tried to take away the opponents’ blockers or to slow them down, by running their middle attack. They were able to connect in some moments. However, more situations would bring their plays back to the wings, where the block would often be ready to nullify their attack.
Korea tried to inch closer but Pakistan was able to close out at 25-22 with Khan swinging in from the right side
By the third set, Pakistan continued their highly effective block formation. They have mastered the rhythm and patterns of their opponents, reading well when and where the attacks would come from.
Korea needed to find a workaround against the tough defense, but committed attack errors in the process.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s hitters were also getting set up properly, allowing them to pull away with 25-14 in the final set.
Pakistan completed the match tallying a total of 15 stuff blocks, which was central to their third victory out of four total outings in the competition.
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