July 01, 2007	Sunday	Jamadi-us-Sani 15, 1428

PESHAWAR, June 30: In an inspiring comeback Pakistan outgunned India 3-1 in the third Test match to take a 2-1 lead in the inaugural bilateral series at the Qayyum Sports Complex on Saturday.

In the opening set the Indians took lead as a result of powerful spikes through P.S. Srikanth and Mandeep Singh amid support from the setter Pandian as the visitors won the set 25-22.

However, a determined Pakistan fought back in the second set with superb blocking and powerful smashing by Naseer Ahmed, Irfan Nawaz, Ismail Khan and Ali Abbas as the hosts took the set 26-24 after a gruelling contest.

Encouraged after grabbing the second set, the Green shirts got the rhythm and impetus they needed in the third set, scoring some quick points to leave the Indian defence all over the place. Leading throughout, the Pakistanis kept up the pressure against the tourists making unforced errors, before winning the set 25-22 to make it 2-1.

Pakistan then dominated the fourth and final set to overcome India 25-20 and seize the match 3-1.

With the hosts now leading the eight-match series 2-1, the forth and final match of the first leg of the series will be played on July 2 at the Wapda Sports Complex, Lahore. —Agencies