ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Australia will clash on Tuesday in the opening match of a three-match series as part of both teams’ preparations for next month’s Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup in Bahrain.
This will be Australia’s first visit to Pakistan for a volleyball match, with the matches scheduled to be played on consecutive days at the Pakistan Sports Complex, making this a historic occasion.
Pakistan will be going into this series full of confidence after their recent victory in the Central Asian Volleyball Championship.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Australia coach Daniel Ilott said he and his players were excited about the match against the hosts.
Ilott praised Pakistan’s performance in the Central Asian Volleyball Championships, saying the team has gradually improved over time, and he said the series would help Australia acclimatise ahead of the Challenge Cup in Bahrain.
Ilott’s teammate Ruben Wolochin said he expected good matches between his team and Australia across the three matches.
Pakistan captain Murad Jehan said his team was wary of Australia’s strength but added that the hosts were confident of putting up a good match against an established side, with the Challenge Cup in mind.
Australia captain Nehemiah Mort acknowledged Pakistan had developed into a respectable team over the past few years but said he expected a good battle between the two teams.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Volleyball Federation President Chaudhary Mohammad Jacob said that the three matches were a great opportunity for Pakistani fans to watch some exciting matches.
team:
Pakistan: Murad Jehan (Captain), Kashif Naveed (Vice Captain), Waleed Khan, Murad Khan, Aimal Khan, Usman Faryad Ali, Fakaruddin, Afaq Khan, Abdul Zaheer, Musawar Khan, Mohammed Hamad, Haider Ali, Nasir Ali.
Australia: Nehemiah Mort (captain), Luke Perry, Arshdeep Dosanjh, Jackson Holland, Trent O’Dea, Matthew Aubrey, Max Senica, Beau Graham, Thomas Heptinstle, Sam Flowerday, Nicholas Butler, Ethan Garrett, William D’Arcy-Miles, Jacob Baird.
Published in Dawn on May 28, 2024
