Prime Volleyball League 2025 finishes its group stage in Hyderabad as the comeback‑style win by the Delhi Toofans over the Kolkata Thunderbolts pulls the Goa Guardians into the semifinals.
The match, played at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, saw the Toofans win the first set 18‑16 and then stay in the battle after dropping the next two sets 11‑15 and 12‑15. Delhi rallied to take the fourth set 15‑11, and finally closed out the game with a 15‑12 victory.
Saqlain Tariq of the Toofans was named Player of the Match, powering his team with strong attacks and solid defense.
With the win, Goa now faces the Mumbai Meteors in the first semifinal on Friday. The Guardians have been in excellent form all season and now look to keep that momentum heading into the knockout stage.
The game started with both sides attacking from the middle. Jesus Chourio of Delhi made an early impact, but Ashwal Rai steadied the Thunderbolts with powerful spikes. A review call from Delhi coach Manoj Nair helped the Toofans snatch the opening set.
In the second set, Pankaj Sharma’s fierce serve pressured Delhi’s defence while Ashwal kept the pressure on that team’s libero, Aljo Sabu. Delhi’s Matin Takavar delivered a great block on Chourio, giving the Thunderbolts the second set win.
Delhi’s Aayush threw two critical blocks in the third set, but a risky super point by the Thunderbolts backfired when Carlos landed a super spike. Aayush’s overhit cost the Toofans a point, but the Thunderbolts regained the lead and finished the set.
Down 0‑2, Delhi’s skipper Saqlain Tariq stayed determined. Abhishek Rajeev and Mohammed Jasim inspired a late rally. Jasim’s smart block kept the game alive, pushing the contest to a deciding fifth set.
With Thunderbolts’ Matin on the bench, Delhi pushed attacks from the middle through Jasim and Aayush. However, Thunderbolts’ libero Aljo made a game‑changing play to clinch a super point, sealing an unforgettable victory for the Toofans and eliminating Kolkata from the tournament.
Earlier, in another group game, the Kochi Blue Spikers bowed out of the Prime Volleyball League after a hard‑fought win over the Ahmedabad Defenders (15‑13, 14‑16, 17‑15, 15‑9). Erin Varghese earned Player of the Match honors. The result does not affect Ahmedabad’s position, as they have already secured a spot in the semifinals.
Prime Volleyball League 2025 continues to deliver thrilling action as teams battle for the coveted semis spot, with Hyderabad’s stadium set to host the next round of matches.
Source: ianslive
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