Pakistan’s women’s youth netball team has made the nation proud by storming into the semifinals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025, remaining undefeated in the group stage after an impressive 49-39 win over the Maldives. The match was held in Jeonju, South Korea, where Pakistan’s young netball stars displayed exceptional resilience and teamwork to top Pool B.
How the Match Unfolded
The match against Maldives on July 1, 2025, was no walk in the park. Maldives put up a solid fight, even taking the lead by halftime.
- 📌 First Quarter: Pakistan edged ahead 14-12.
- 📌 Second Quarter: Maldives bounced back, leading 26-24 at the break.
- 📌 Third Quarter: Pakistan regrouped strongly, reclaiming the lead at 35-32.
- 📌 Final Quarter: Pakistan sealed the win 49-39, proving their mental toughness under pressure.
The turning point came in the third quarter, when strategic substitutions and a faster passing game turned the tide back in Pakistan’s favour.
Star Performers Behind the Victory
The victory was the result of exceptional performances by some standout young athletes:
- Leya Raza Shah, known for her sharp shooting accuracy.
- Alisha Naveed, who controlled the midcourt brilliantly.
- Sumayya Kouser and Haleema, whose defensive interceptions frustrated Maldives’ attacks.
- Jasmine Farooq and Farah Rasheed, who ensured smooth transitions from defence to attack.
Their teamwork, combined with tactical changes by the coaching staff, helped Pakistan maintain its unbeaten streak.
Dominant Group Stage Journey
Pakistan’s youth netball team has been in remarkable form throughout the championship. Before defeating Maldives, they crushed:
- Saudi Arabia 71–15
- Chinese Taipei 56–32
- South Korea 91–6
- Japan 79–39
Finishing the group stage with 5 wins out of 5 and 10 points, Pakistan topped Pool B, boosting morale and setting a high bar for the knockout stages.
Next Up: Semifinal Clash with Japan
Pakistan will now face Japan again in the semifinals of the Plate Cup Division on July 3, 2025. Although Pakistan comfortably defeated Japan 79–39 during the group stage, knockout matches bring new pressure, and the team is preparing to avoid complacency.
The semifinal follows the tournament’s crossover format: top teams play lower-ranked teams from other pools, ensuring fair but competitive pairings.
Why This Matters for Pakistan Netball
This undefeated run is more than just a string of wins—it’s a testament to Pakistan’s growing investment in women’s sports, especially in games like netball that often receive less spotlight.
Success stories like this:
✅ Inspire more girls to participate in sports.
✅ Highlight the importance of grassroots and youth development programs.
✅ Show the world that Pakistan’s young athletes are ready to compete and win at an international level.
Final Thoughts
With momentum, confidence, and team spirit at an all-time high, Pakistan’s young netball team is poised to push for a spot in the Plate Cup final and bring home more glory.
As the team gears up for their semifinal showdown with Japan, fans back home are rallying behind them, hoping for another dominant performance to keep the undefeated dream alive.
