Hyderabad: Kolkata Thunderbolts made a quick come back to register strong win against Mumbai Meteors. With a score line of 12-15, 15-6, 12-15, 15-11, 15-11 this was the fourth win in the second season of Prime Volleyball League for the defending champions at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad. Ashwal Rai was named the Player of the contest for his all-round display.
Champions make Champions 🌟#KTBvMM #EbarAbarJitbeBangla #RuPayPrimeVolley pic.twitter.com/B0E0A3KT92
— KolkataThunderbolts (@KolThunderBolts) February 20, 2023
After Mumbai’s Hiroshi Centelles demonstrated aggressive intentions from the service, Janshad and captain Ashwal Rai teamed up to take control of Kolkata’s middle line. The momentum completely changed in the Thunderbolts’ favour when Rahul began serving the ball for them.
Mumbai immediately levelled the playing field thanks to Shameem’s creation of offensive possibilities and captain Karthik’s command of the defence line. As Kolkata switched tactics and used a two-man block line consisting of Ashwal and Rahul, the door to Mumbai’s attacks was abruptly shut. Mumbai continued to be energetic but kept making mistakes. The fearsome spikes on Cody Caldwell raised questions for Mumbai.
Champions find an extra gear when it matters the most 🤩@KolThunderBolts produce a staggering comeback to notch up win no. 4️⃣#KTBvMM #PVL2023 #RuPayPrimeVolley #AsliVolleyball pic.twitter.com/YpfDTaEpbB
— Prime Volleyball (@PrimeVolley) February 20, 2023
When it appeared that Kolkata would win the match easily, Shameem’s powerful serve once again tipped the scales. However, Kolkata once more levelled the playing field as Mumbai’s attackers were shut down by Ashwal and Rahul’s block line, bringing the game to a close.
A good day at the office for @KolThunderBolts & @Amd_Defenders 💯#KTBvMM #AMDvCH #PVL2023 #RuPayPrimeVolley #AsliVolleyball pic.twitter.com/zvOZUyuB82
— Prime Volleyball (@PrimeVolley) February 20, 2023
Ashwal’s captain took the initiative to make a difference in the decisive set, as he effectively stopped Hiroshi with a strong block. A couple unforced blunders by Mumbai followed by a cold-blooded spike from Vinit that further damaged the Meteors led to Kolkata winning the game 3-2 and regaining the top spot in the standings.
"Not thinking of the semi-finals yet" 💬@KolThunderBolts skipper Ashwal Rai is focusing on one #PVL2023 game at a time ✌️#KTBvMM #RuPayPrimeVolley #AsliVolleyball pic.twitter.com/h04Y2503yQ
— Prime Volleyball (@PrimeVolley) February 20, 2023
Speaking after the match, captain and middle-blocker said, “The team performed exceptionally well. We defended well and therefore the results went in our favour. We learned from our mistakes and executed them perfectly, which helped us in improving our strategy and our game’s overall show. We will perform better in our next game.”
