ISLAMABAD, June 26: India defeated traditional opponents Pakistan 3-1 in the opening game of the first leg of the eight-match Test series at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Tuesday.

In the opening set the Indians employed different quick combinations in attack and multiple blocks to counter the Pakistan’s ace spikers Naseer Ahmed and quick attacker Kashif Mansoor. The Indians were too good in their powerful spikes. The visitors conceded 18 points to clinch the first set.

In the second set too India, who won the Asian Central Zone Volleyball Championship here on Monday, sailed smoothly, scoring quick successive points to win the set 25-12 without any difficulty.

After going down 0-2 the Pakistani spikers rejuvenated themselves while changing the tactics and attack. The change in the strategy proved right for the hosts, who led throughout the set to bag it 25-22 to make the scoreline 1-2.

However, the Indian team regained their rhythm in the fourth set, showing better techniques in all departments of the game.

They took the lead which they kept on extending till the set score reached 25-17 in their favour, thus winning the match 3-1 and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.—Agencies