ISLAMABAD: Pakistan completed a series clean sweep over Australia after beating the visitors 3-0 in the third and final volleyball match here at the Pakistan Sports Complex on Thursday.

Led by Murad Jehan, the national side, who played with a full-strength team despite coming into the game with an unassailable lead in the series, dominated with scores of 26-24, 25-22, 25-20, warming up perfectly for next month’s Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup.

Australia, who are also going to feature in the tournament — set to be held in Bahrain — would be contemplating ways to hit form ahead of the high-profile tournament.

“A clean sweep in the series was our target and we have achieved it with teamwork,” a jubilant Murad said after the match. “This victory means a lot or us as it gives us a big boost of confidence for the AVC Challenge Cup.”

Echoing Murad’s views, Pakistan’s senior smasher Aimal Khan said beating Australia 3-0 was an accomplishment to be proud of for the national team, especially after their recent title triumph in the Central Asian Volleyball Championship.

“All players are good forms and hopefully, we will be on the victory stand in the AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrian,” he said. “How we fought against a strong Australian team was commendable. Our side is full rhythm and form.”

The chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashood was the chief guest of the final match of the series and he, along with Pakistan Volleyball Federation chairman Chaudhry Yaqoob distributed awards and gave away trophies.

They appreciated the performances of both teams, particularly that of Pakistan for putting up an impressive show.

Pakistan team will fly for Behrian on Friday night from Sialkot Airport.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2024