VISAKHAPATNAM (India), Aug 7: Indian spikers recorded a thrilling 3-2 victory against Pakistan in a 2-hour 30-minute match to take lead in the fifth Test of the inaugural eight-match series between the two arch-rivals on Tuesday.

In the very crucial match of the second leg of the series, India started their campaign with rhythm and coordination in the first set, with average spiking, while their successful blocking and services did not allow Pakistan to take lead during the set and so the hosts claimed the first set 25-16.

The determined Pakistanis fought back in the second set, showing their best while edging out the Indians to take the set 25-23. Pakistan scored three points through services, four from blocking and 13 from spikes while they got five bonus points due to Indian errors.

Then the rejuvenated Pakistan got the tempo notching some quick points to leave the Indian defence disjointed. The tourists enhanced their pressure to take advantage of their opponents’ unforced errors while leading throughout to grab the set 25-15 to make it 2-1.

Trailing 1-2, the Indians struck back with some quick points to take the advantage, putting pressure on Pakistan to win the set 25-18 and thus levelling the game 2-2.

In the fifth set India dominated the proceedings and led the score at the time of changing the court sides. Pakistan put up some resistance at this stage however the Indians spikers were slightly better in their tactics to seize the set 15-13 and so an exciting 3-2 win in the Test.

The first leg of the series, held in Pakistan between the two countries, ended in a 2-2 draw.

The sixth Test match of the series will be played in Hyderabad on Friday.—Agencies