Kathmandu, Aug. 7: The Nepali women’s volleyball team booked their place in the final of the 4th CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League after defeating Iran in the semi-final match at Covered Hall of the Kathmandu-based Dasharath Stadium on Tuesday.

The face-off was expected to be extremely challenging for the host after losing against Iran in the league stage. However, Nepal turned the tide against Iran after beating the world’s 63rd-ranked team in three consecutive sets. 

Nepal did not get a start as the team wanted in the first set. Meanwhile, they did not let the first set end in the opponent’s favour.

Iran was restricted to 21 points when Nepal clinched the first set. Nevertheless, Iran was trying to bounce back with every chance they got in front of a hall packed with loud Nepali fans. 

The visitors almost got the second set but it was foiled after Nepal made a stunning comeback. Iran was leading 24-21 in the second set and Nepal made it 24-24. The second set ended in Nepal’s favour with a score of 28-26.

Iran’s Coach Lee Do-hee was happy with the efforts her players were showing. She was motivating the players and requesting them to calm down as Iran continued digging difficult spikes and keeping the rally on. Nevertheless, the third set also went away from Iran’s grasp.

Nepal defeated Iran by a score of 25-20 and won the third set to progress to the final. 

Nepal will be facing its arch-rival India in the final on Wednesday. While Nepal made history after defeating India in the league stage on August 3, winning in the final will not be easy. 

“If we cannot win the tournament while it is hosted in our country, it will push us back. We are aiming for the Cup once again,” said Jagadish Prasad Bhatta, Nepali women’s volleyball head coach, during the post-match interview.

Nepal has won the CAVA Women’s Nations League twice in its past three editions. 

India denied Nepal the gold during the 13th South Asian Games hosted by Kathmandu. Thus, defeating India in a match for the Cup would help Nepal forget the loss and aim higher.

“We wanted to win. We had to win against Iran. We will be going to the final with the same winning mentality,” said Nepal’s player Niruta Thagunna.