KOLKATA, July 31: Pakistan outclassed defending champions Canada 3-1 to cruise into the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Men’s Volleyball Championship on Tuesday. In the opening set the Pakistan spikers showed their best performance against Canada, winning the set 25-21. Pakistan sailed smoothly to lead in the first technical time out at the score 8-4 and from then onward the Pakistanis got full rhythm and excelled in all departments of the game.

Changing their strategy in the second set, Pakistan accelerated their game using different quick combinations to leave the opponents helpless in block and defence, while bagging the set 25-21.

In the third set Canada changed their tactics fighting back to win the set 25-21.

In the fourth and final set Pakistan regained full control through powerful spiking, formidable blocking and sizzling services of Naseer Ahmed, Irfan Nawaz, Ismail Khan and Mohib Rasool, who helped Pakistan seal the set 25-16 and the match 3-1 to put their team in the semis.

Earlier on Tuesday, in the second match South Africa defeated New Zealand 3-0 to qualify for the semi-finals. South Africa won with set scores of 25-19, 25-21 and 25-13.

Wednesday’s matches:

Pakistan v South Africa; Sri Lanka v Bangladesh; India v Nigeria.—Agencies