The CAVA Cup Men's Volleyball Championship 2025 roared back to life on Saturday at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur after a day's hiatus. when Afghanistan and Sri Lanka kept their campaigns on track with confident straight-set victories, while the Maldives endured their fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them struggling to find form in the six-nation showdown.
Afghanistan set the tone in the afternoon fixture, sweeping aside Nepal 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, and 25-21). The visitors were relentless from the outset, mixing punishing spikes with precise serves. Nepal tried to mount resistance in the third set, but Afghanistan's composure and attacking firepower proved too much, leaving the Himalayan side grasping at shadows. This result marked Afghanistan's second win of the tournament and Nepal's third defeat in four outings, highlighting the fine margins and unforgiving nature of this competitive field.
Later in the day, Sri Lanka also recorded their second victory, beating the Maldives 3-0 (25-21, 27-25, and 25-18). While the first set went Sri Lanka's way relatively comfortably, the second set became a tense tug-of-war.
The Maldives showed glimpses of fighting spirit, pushing the Lankans to 27-25, but Sri Lanka's experience and clutch play saw them through. They then sealed the deal with a controlled third set, ensuring a clean sweep and boosting confidence for the matches ahead.
For the Maldives, the day brought more heartbreak. Having lost all four of their opening matches in straight sets, the team is facing an uphill battle and will need to regroup fast to avoid finishing bottom in the round-robin format.
As the CAVA Cup heads towards its final week, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are staking their claim as serious contenders, while the Maldives and Nepal will be looking to turn the tide. With each match a test of nerves, skill, and endurance, the tournament continues to deliver thrilling encounters and high-voltage action on the court.
