LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Iran 3-1 in their last group-stage match of the second Asian U-16 Boys Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand on Thursday.

Pakistan won the match 3-1 (25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 31-29) as Irfan, Wahab, Abdullah and Saran remained key performers for the winners.

In Friday’s semi-finals, Pakistan as group ‘A’ leaders face arch-rivals India in the semi-final on while Group ‘B’ toppers Japan take on Iran.

On Wednesday, Pakistan by beating Indonesia 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-20) in a group match not only made the semi-finals but also qualified for the U-17 World Volleyball Championship.

Earlier in the event, Pakistan had overcome South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Chinese Taipei.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2025