Aichi: Pakistan advanced to the Asian Games men’s volleyball semi finals after defeating India in straight sets at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium on Thursday.

Pakistan won the quarter final 25 to 19, 25 to 23 and 25 to 18, eliminating India from the competition. It was Pakistan’s second successive Asian Games victory over India.

Murad Khan led Pakistan’s scoring with 22 points, while Usman Faryad Ali contributed nine and Mohammad Hamad added eight.

Pakistan took the opening set 25 to 19 before India pushed them in the second. India led 19 to 16, but Pakistan recovered to level the score and went on to take the set 25 to 23.

Pakistan maintained control in the third set, building a lead before closing it out 25 to 18 to complete the straight sets victory.

The result followed Pakistan’s pool stage wins over Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. They finished second in Pool A after losing their final group match to hosts Japan. India had entered the quarter final after topping Pool C.

Pakistan will now compete in the semi finals as they continue their bid for a medal in the men’s volleyball competition.