Pakistan go down to Iran in thrilling encounter

Volleyball team loses second match of Al Rashid tournament.

KARACHI: In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan went down to Iran 3-2 in their second match of the Al Rashid Volleyball Tournament under way in Dubai.

After Pakistan secured the first set 25-23, the Asian number one Iran fought back to win the second 28-26 to level the match 1-1.

Iran took the lead by claiming the third set by the same scoreline before Pakistan staged a comeback to take the fourth 29-27. However, Iran won the final set 15-13 to clinch the match and take pole position in the tournament.

Pakistan coach Mazhar Hussain was satisfied with the performance of the team. “Iran are the Asian Champions so I’m proud of my team,” Hussain told The Express Tribune. “I think the players still need to work on their temperament.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th,  2011.