ISLAMABAD, May 10: A well-drilled Pakistan edged Kazakhstan in straight sets on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the five-Test volleyball series. Kazakhstan, who arrived in Islamabad only on Monday were beaten 25-21, 25-22, 25-20 at the Liaquat Gymnasium, the match however failing to attract a big crowd. The towering Kazakhstan spikers made good use of their heights but the home team troubled them with an impressive all round display.

Pakistan raced ahead at the start of the match and fine play by captain Irfan Nawaz, libro Tariq Waseem and Sajid Nawaz helped them seal the set which featured exciting rallies. Kazakhstan, who are here as part of their preparations for this year’s Asian Senior Championship, looked a lot better in the second set, putting up a stiff resistance.

Imangaliyev Marat, Andreyev Yevgeniy and Trikoz Sergey were the outstanding players on the visiting team all of whom made great efforts to exert pressure on Pakistan.

But the hosts, who had defeated Kazakhstan at the 2003 Asian Seniors Championship in China, did not let the rivals take control of the game and took the second set too.

Naseer Ahmed and Zaheer Abbas did well for the home side which had to fight tooth and nail in the third set which was a neck and neck affair.

Scores were level at least eight times before Pakistan broke clear to wrap up the set and the match.

“After taking the first set, we were always confident of winning this Test,” captain Irfan said.

“If the boys continue to play the way they did today, I am sure we can go on and win the series.”

Both teams now head for Wah for the second Test to be played on Wednesday. The other matches will be in Peshawar (May 13), Lahore (May 15) and Karachi (May 17).

Result: Pakistan bt Kazakhstan 25-21, 25-22, 25-20.