In a night of electrifying volleyball at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, the Delhi Toofans produced one of the most thrilling performances of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, defeating the Kolkata Thunderbolts 18-16, 11-15, 12-15, 15-11, 15-12 in a pulsating five-set encounter on Wednesday.
The result not only showcased Delhi’s fighting spirit but also had major implications for the playoff race the Goa Guardians sealed their spot in the semi-finals, courtesy of Delhi’s dramatic victory. For his commanding leadership and composed setting throughout the contest, Saqlain Tariq was adjudged the Player of the Match.
The match began at an intense pace, with both sides trading aggressive plays from the middle. Delhi’s Venezuelan attacker Jesus Chourio opened the scoring with a thunderous spike, setting the tone for the Toofans. Kolkata’s veteran Ashwal Rai, known for his consistency and power, responded in style, keeping Delhi’s defence under constant pressure.
Coach Manoj Nair’s strategic awareness proved decisive early on a well-timed review reversed a crucial point in Delhi’s favour, helping them edge the first set 18-16 after a tight back-and-forth battle. The Toofans carried the early momentum, but Kolkata’s resilience was soon on display. The Thunderbolts, two-time PVL champions, showed why they are considered one of the most tactically astute teams in the league. Pankaj Sharma’s fierce serves began troubling Delhi’s first line of defence, while Ashwal Rai continued to exploit gaps in the Toofans’ backcourt.
Iranian middle blocker Matin Takavar played a key role, executing a perfectly timed block to deny Chourio a point at a crucial stage. Kolkata capitalised on Delhi’s defensive lapses to claim the second set 15-11, drawing level. The momentum remained with Kolkata in the third set as Delhi’s rhythm faltered. Aayush tried to restore balance with two vital blocks, but a failed super point gamble by Kolkata’s coach turned into a turning point only briefly. Carlos Silva’s super spike brought Delhi back into contention, yet an overhit shot from Aayush during a super point handed Kolkata the set 15-12, and the Thunderbolts took a 2–1 lead.
Delhi’s captain leads from the front
At this stage, Delhi’s semi-final hopes were mathematically over. But rather than letting the situation affect their morale, captain Saqlain Tariq rallied his teammates with exceptional composure and leadership. The Toofans regrouped, and the fourth set turned into a show of character and depth. Saqlain’s accurate setting found the angles for Abhishek Rajeev and Muhammed Jasim, both of whom stepped up under pressure. Jasim’s powerful block against Ashwal Rai late in the set reignited Delhi’s confidence, and the Toofans took the fourth set 15-11, forcing a decider.
With the match tied 2–2, the fifth set unfolded as a battle of nerves and tactical precision. Kolkata, however, suffered a major blow as Matin Takavar was briefly substituted due to discomfort, allowing Delhi to dominate from the middle.
Saqlain’s swift transitions between Jasim and Aayush opened up Kolkata’s defence repeatedly, and Delhi raced to an early lead. When Matin returned, Kolkata attempted to reassert themselves, but Delhi’s libero Aljo Sabu stood like a wall pulling off stunning digs and keeping rallies alive that had seemed lost. A crucial super point late in the set turned the tide definitively in Delhi’s favour. Jasim’s block, followed by a sharp defensive pickup from Aljo, saw the Toofans clinch the super point and ultimately the match 15-12 in the decider.
The Delhi bench erupted in celebration not just for their own pride-restoring win, but for the fact that their victory had changed the playoff picture entirely.
Goa Guardians through to semi-finals
Delhi’s win had huge ramifications beyond the court. With Kolkata’s defeat, the Goa Guardians mathematically secured their spot in the PVL 2025 semi-finals, joining Mumbai Meteors, Bengaluru Torpedoes, and Ahmedabad Defenders in the final four. Goa will now face table-toppers Mumbai Meteors in the first semi-final on Friday, October 24, while Bengaluru Torpedoes will clash with Ahmedabad Defenders in the second semi-final on the same day.
The Guardians, who have quietly put together a consistent campaign, will be relieved and motivated heading into their first-ever PVL semi-final appearance.
For Delhi, the win was a testament to grit and sportsmanship. Despite being out of the semi-final race, they played with intensity till the very end, displaying the kind of resilience that fans love. Saqlain Tariq, who has been one of the standout setters of the season, once again showcased his ability to lead under pressure balancing aggressive play with calm, intelligent decision-making.
Jesus Chourio’s energy, Abhishek’s attacking versatility, and Jasim’s timely defensive interventions all came together in what was arguably Delhi’s best team performance of the season. The Delhi–Kolkata clash epitomised everything that makes the Prime Volleyball League a spectacle momentum shifts, emotional swings, and moments of individual brilliance. The match lasted over 90 minutes, with both teams pushing each other to their limits.
In the end, Delhi’s persistence paid off, while Kolkata, despite flashes of dominance, were left to rue missed chances and unforced errors in the final stretch.
As the semi-finals approach, PVL 2025 has once again delivered on its promise — world-class volleyball, high-intensity competition, and the kind of unpredictability that keeps fans coming back for more.
Final Score:
🏐 Delhi Toofans 3–2 Kolkata Thunderbolts (18–16, 11–15, 12–15, 15–11, 15–12)
Player of the Match: Saqlain Tariq
Next Up:
🆚 Semi-Final 1: Mumbai Meteors vs Goa Guardians
🆚 Semi-Final 2: Bengaluru Torpedoes vs Ahmedabad Defenders
