Delhi Toofans stun Kolkata Thunderbolts; Goa Guardians seal semifinal spot

Delhi Toofans edged out Kolkata Thunderbolts 18-16, 11-15, 12-15, 15-11, 15-12 in the Prime Volleyball League, helping Goa Guardians qualify for the semi-finals. Delhi captain Saqlain Tariq was named Player of the Match after a spirited comeback win.

HYDERABAD: Goa Guardians qualified for the semi-finals after the Delhi Toofans defeated the Kolkata Thunderbolts 18-16, 11-15, 12-15, 15-11, 15-12 in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium here on Wednesday. Saqlain Tariq was named the Player of the Match.

Goa will now play Mumbai Meteors in the first semi-final on Friday, October 24th, 2025.

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The game started with both teams attacking from the middle. Delhi’s Jesus Chourio made the first major dent. Ashwal Rai kept the pressure up for the Thunderbolts with strong spikes. A smart review call from coach Manoj Nair helped the Toofans win the first set.

Pankaj Sharma’s missile service put pressure on the Toofans’ defence. Ashwal kept up the pressure on Delhi’s libero Aljo Sabu. Matin Takavar made a super block on Chourio, and the Thunderbolts won the second set.

Aayush made two important blocks as Delhi regained composure. A risky super point for the Thunderbolts backfired with Carlos’ super spike. But Aayush’s overhit shot cost the Toofans a super point, and the Thunderbolts took the lead, winning the third set.

Losing two sets meant that Delhi were out of contention for a place in the semi-finals. But the result did little to deter Delhi skipper Saqlain Tariq from seeking a win. Abhishek Rajeev and Muhammed Jasim led their fightback. With a smart block from Jasim, Delhi pushed the game to the fifth set.

With Kolkata’s Matin off court, Delhi began running the play from the middle utilising both Jasim and Aayush. Matin’s return put pressure on the Toofans. But tremendous defending from libero Aljo helped the Toofans win a super point, and the Toofans scripted an unforgettable win, eliminating Kolkata.