In one of the most exhilarating moments in Pakistan’s volleyball history, the national men’s team delivered a sensational performance by defeating world No. 23 Qatar in straight sets (25-22, 25-22, 25-21) at the AVC Nations Cup 2025 semifinal in Bahrain. The stunning 3-0 victory not only booked Pakistan’s place in the final but also avenged their heartbreaking loss to Qatar in last year’s AVC Challenge Cup final.
From the first serve to the final whistle, Pakistan outclassed their higher-ranked opponents with unmatched energy, precision, and unity. The Green Shirts recorded a total of 47 attack points to Qatar’s 41 and led in blocking (7 to 5), all while maintaining their composure against Qatar’s strong serves. But the most telling statistic? Pakistan forced 20 errors from Qatar, a testament to their disciplined, high-pressure play.
The star of the match was Usman Faryad Ali, who showcased his attacking prowess with a match-high 18 points, including 17 from aggressive spikes and one block. Team captain Murad Jehan was equally formidable, adding 16 points — all from powerful attacks that shook the Qatari defense. Murad Khan chipped in with 7, while Fahad Raza, the team’s agile setter, contributed 5 points and expertly orchestrated plays throughout the match. Musawer also added 4 valuable points, rounding off a truly collective effort.
Chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob, praised the team’s performance:
“This victory proves rankings don’t tell the whole story. Our players showed tremendous heart and skill against one of Asia’s best teams. They’ve made the whole country proud.”
This historic victory is not just a game-changer—it’s a statement. Pakistan is no longer an outsider in international volleyball. With their eyes now set on the final against either South Korea or Bahrain, the team stands just one win away from capturing their first-ever AVC Nations Cup title.
Beyond the scoreboard, this win signifies Pakistan’s rapid evolution in the sport and will likely boost their position in the upcoming world rankings. It’s a signal to the world: Pakistan volleyball has arrived — and they’re here to stay.
