Australia, Pakistan romp into semi-final

Kolkata, Aug 1 (UNI) Australia cantered their way into the semi-final of the 2nd Commonwealth Volleyball Championship at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here today, trouncing a wayward Nigeria in straight sets.

Pakistan also registered a semifinal berth with a win over South Africa.

In a completely one-sided affair, the Aussies dominated their African counterparts from the word go and took just 57 minutes to finish off their challengers 25-15, 15-12, 25-16.

With three wins from as many outings, the Aussies were sitting pretty at the top of Group A.

The Australians are scheduled to play their last group fixture against hosts India tomorrow, which would be an engrossing affair considering the fact that Aussie skipper Benjamin Hardy considered it to be their first real challenge.

Carroll Paul was in devastating form scoring some crucial points with deft jabs. Paul managed ten points for the Aussies, closely following him were the pair of Nathan Roberts and David Ferguson, who scored seven each.

The Aussies, who enjoyed a height advantage over their opponents, enjoyed the upper hand throughout the game and the only resistance that Nigeria could put forward was in the form of Marcell. The burly attacker stood head and shoulders above both literally and technically amongst his non-performing teammates, scoring 13 precious points.

Pakistan advanced into the semi-finals after topping Group B, winning all three of their group league matches. In a battle to decide the group toppers, the Asian giants outplayed the tournament dark-horse South Africa, 25-18, 25-22, 25-20 in a match, which lasted just over an hour.

The Proteas also moved into the last four as the second team from Group B.

Farooq Khan dominated the proceedings for Pakistan, scoring 13 points.

The African side rested a few of their key players, including inspirational skipper Masinga.

In another Group A encounter, Sri Lanka overcame a stiff Bangladesh challenge to post their first win in the tournament. The emerald islanders emerged winners, 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-21 after a grueling one and half an hour battle.

Bangladesh won the first set but lost footing from there on and in the process curtains drew for them in the tournament.

The Sri Lankans put up a consistent performance and their much improved blocking from the second set took them home. K M Eranda was the top scorer for the Lankans scoring 15 points. He was well supported by M L Abeyrathna, who ended the game with 14 points.

The best player for Bangladesh was Ali M Sheikh with 18 points.

UNI