U19 Volleyball World Championship: Pakistan Beats Belgium in First Match

Pakistan made a dream debut in the FIVB Boys’ U19 Volleyball World Championship, beating Belgium in straight sets on Thursday. The match was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking Pakistan’s first-ever participation in the prestigious tournament.

Ranked Underdogs, But Dominant On Court

Despite being ranked 19th in the world, Pakistan pulled off a big surprise by defeating 7th-ranked Belgium with a convincing 3-0 win. The set scores were 25-19, 25-17, and 25-22, showing Pakistan’s clear dominance throughout the game.

Standout Performances

Team captain Yahya played a steady role and “scored 11 points with a calm and effective performance.”
Middle blocker Saud led the team in scoring with 13 points, including “nine from attacks and four from blocks.”

Pakistan’s Superior Stats

Pakistan outplayed Belgium in all departments. They registered 32 successful attacks, 11 blocks, and two service points, while Belgium managed 28 attacks, six blocks, and just one service point. Pakistan also capitalized on 30 points from Belgian errors.

Strong Team Coordination

The team displayed excellent coordination with 70 digs, 63 receptions, and 111 set passes, reflecting a well-rounded and disciplined effort.

Other Key Contributors

Players like Jibran (7 points), Ajmal and Muhtad (5 points each), and setter Abu Bakar (2 points) also added to the team’s success. Pakistan’s strong net defense and tactical play were key in neutralizing Belgium’s offense.

Next Challenge: Uzbekistan

Pakistan will now face host nation Uzbekistan on Friday in their next group match. After this historic win, the team aims to carry the momentum forward.