Pakistan beats India to reach Asian Games volleyball semifinals

Pakistan defeated India in straight sets in the men’s volleyball quarterfinal at the Asian Games on October 1, advancing to the semifinals and ending India’s campaign in the event. Pakistan won 3-0, with one post-match account reporting set scores of 25-19, 25-23 and 25-18. The result sent Pakistan into the last four after it finished second in Pool A. India had reached the knockout match unbeaten, topping Pool C after winning all three of its group matches, including a comeback victory over Qatar. The quarterfinal was a single-elimination contest, with a semifinal place at stake. Pakistan took the opening set and then held off an Indian challenge in the second. India moved ahead during that set, but Pakistan rallied to level the score and pull clear late. Pakistan controlled the third, building a substantial lead before closing out the match. The accounts agree on the straight-set result, although they present the set scores in different orientations. Murad Khan was Pakistan’s leading scorer, but accounts gave different totals: one reported 22 points and another 19. The available information does not establish a definitive match total.