Malé City, Maldives, July 18, 2025 – The second day of the CAVA Champions League Maldives 2025 unfolded with heightened drama, elite-level competition, and a glimpse at the rising front-runners in this prestigious Central Asian volleyball showcase. With three enthralling matches played back-to-back and over 2,000 spectators fueling the vibrant atmosphere inside the Social Center Indoor Hall, Day 2 truly delivered on its promise of thrilling regional volleyball.
The day’s narrative centered on the clinical dominance of ZHAIYK VC (Kazakhstan), the tactical growth of Bishkek-Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyzstan), and the emotional triumph of HELP Nepal Sports Club (Nepal), each of whom took home crucial victories that are rapidly shaping the landscape of the tournament.
Match 4: BKZ Outmaneuvers SLP in a Tactical Four-Set Win
Result: Bishkek VC (BKZ) def. Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLP) – 3–1 (25–22, 25–20, 23–25, 25–20)
Match Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Attendance: 100 spectators
The day opened with a methodical encounter between Bishkek VC (BKZ) and Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLP), where both sides displayed a tactical mindset and strong defensive organization. BKZ asserted early dominance by taking the first two sets through aggressive serving and pinpoint offensive execution.
While SLP’s captain Wasanthapriya Lasindu gave a standout performance, leading all scorers with 22 points, the Kyrgyz side’s balanced strategy was the game-changer. Iliaz Abdimomun Uulu played a vital role in the middle with timely blocks and quick attacks, while Subasingha Akindu added critical kills during pressure moments.
SLP fought back bravely in the third set, capitalizing on a lapse in BKZ’s reception and executing well-coordinated plays through the wings. However, BKZ’s cohesive unit rallied in the fourth to seal the match and register their second straight win of the tournament.
Key Stats:
• Top Scorer: Wasanthapriya Lasindu (SLP) – 22 points
• BKZ’s Set Wins: Dominated in serve-receive ratio, capitalizing on 9 aces
• SLP’s Strength: Strong outside attacks and scrappy floor defense
Match 5: ZHAIYK VC Crushes DSC in 55-Minute Masterclass
Result: ZHAIYK VC (ZHK) def. Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC) — 3–0 (25–17, 25–22, 25–15)
Match Duration: 55 minutes
Attendance: 300 spectators
The second fixture of the day showcased a powerful statement from tournament favorites ZHAIYK VC of Kazakhstan, which delivered an impeccable performance to dismiss the host club Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC) in straight sets.
From the first whistle, ZHK took control of the match with an unrelenting offensive rhythm. Spearheaded by the commanding presence of Vitaliy Erdshtein, who led with 15 points, the Kazakh team pressed DSC into continuous errors with precise serving and relentless net pressure. Klim Ryukhov, meanwhile, stood like a wall at the net, recording a match-high 7 blocks.
Despite spirited resistance from DSC’s star import Bosco Dete, who put up a commendable fight with 13 points, the Maldivian side could not match ZHAIYK’s tempo and discipline. ZHK’s flawless transitions from defense to attack, minimal unforced errors, and exceptional communication kept them firmly in control throughout the match.
Key Stats:
• Top Scorer: Vitaliy Erdshtein (ZHK) – 15 points
• Best Blocker: Klim Ryukhov (ZHK) – 7 blocks
• ZHK’s Set Ratio: 6.000 – No sets lost so far
ZHAIYK VC now stands as the only team in the competition yet to drop a single set, strengthening their claim as the early frontrunners for the title.
Match 6: HELP Nepal Overpowers HDC in Emotional Four-Set Showdown
Result: HELP Nepal Sports Club (HNS) def. Club HDC (HDC) — 3–1 (25–19, 25–23, 19–25, 25–22)
Match Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
Attendance: 1,600 spectators
The final and most emotionally charged match of the evening was a battle of willpower and endurance between HELP Nepal Sports Club (HNS) and Club HDC of the Maldives.
HNS took an early 2–0 lead with well-executed plays and superb teamwork, capitalizing on sharp spikes from Jehan Murad, who tallied 19 points, and the consistent all-round performance of Ali Usman Faryad, who contributed both in front and back court.
The third set, however, witnessed a fiery comeback from Club HDC. HDC exploited weaknesses in HNS’s blocking and captured the set with momentum-shifting attacks through the middle. But the Nepalese side remained composed. In the fourth set, they regrouped under pressure, tightening their block lines and regaining service control to close the match.
The match had the largest attendance of the day and was a testament to the increasing excitement surrounding this championship. HELP Nepal now stands at 5 points, trailing closely behind ZHK and BKZ.
Key Stats:
• Top Scorer: Jehan Murad (HNS) – 19 points
• Notable Performer: Ali Usman Faryad (HNS) – multi-phase contributions across blocks, digs, and sets
• Crowd Favorite: Club HDC’s third-set comeback drew the loudest cheers of the night
Updated Standings After Day 2
After the conclusion of Day 2, ZHAIYK VC (Kazakhstan) and Bishkek VC (Kyrgyzstan) lead the standings with 6 points each, both securing two consecutive victories. ZHAIYK hold the top position thanks to a flawless set ratio of 6.000, having not dropped a single set so far, while BKZ follow closely with a set ratio of 6.000 as well, but with one set loss. In third place sits HELP Nepal Sports Club, with 5 points from two wins and a set ratio of 2.000, keeping them firmly in contention.
Meanwhile, Dhivehi Sifainge Club (Maldives) rank fourth with 1 point, followed by Club HDC (Maldives) and Sri Lanka Ports Authority, both still searching for their first win and tied with 0 points, though SLP edges slightly ahead on set ratio.
What’s Coming Up?
With the tournament heating up, Saturday’s matches are set to be a turning point in group standings. All eyes will be on whether ZHAIYK VC can continue their unblemished run, and if HELP Nepal or BKZ can edge ahead in the battle for top-two spots.
The atmosphere in Malé is electrifying, the stakes are rising, and the talent on display is proving why the CAVA Champions League is one of the most exciting volleyball events in the region.
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