
DUBAI, JAN 8: Defending champions India beat Pakistan in a thrilling five-setter to storm into the finals of the fourth Rashid International Volleyball Championships at the Al Shabab Stadium here late last night.
India won 15-6, 8-15, 10-15, 15-3, 15-13 but not before facing some anxious moments in the final and deciding set when the two sides fought neck and neck in a do or die battle.
India, who won on all three previous occasions, will meet Ukraine in the finals of the fourth edition on Friday.
Ukraine, by far the best team in the tournament winning all their matches so far, beat Sweden in the other semi-final in straight sets.
Skipper Surjit Singh, who was adjudged Man of the Match, led from the front with powerful smashes time and again to the delight of the mainly Indian spectators.
The 18-year-old Subba Rao, tallest in the Indian team, and Sanker Ganesh teamed up very well to back their skipper and played an excellent game to turn the match in India8217;s favour.
quot;We will try our best to winthe final. The team is at the height of their morale after last night8217;s win,quot; coach G Sreedharan said.