Turkmenistan secured their place in the CAVA Cup Men’s 2025 final after edging hosts Bangladesh in a pulsating five-set encounter at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Sunday.
The Central Asian side triumphed 3-2 (26-24, 17-25, 25-21, 20-25, and 16-14), maintaining unbeaten run with four wins from four.
Both teams had entered the match with perfect records, setting the stage for a top-of-the-table clash brimming with intensity and drama.
Bangladesh looked on course to take the opening set when they led 24-21, but Turkmenistan mounted a remarkable comeback, saving three set points before clinching it.
The home side, roared on by an enthusiastic crowd, hit back strongly in the second set, winning 25-17 to restore parity.
Turkmenistan, however, regained control in the third, taking it 25-21 through a disciplined blocking and spiking display.
Bangladesh refused to back down, showing grit and flair to claim the fourth 25-20 and push the contest into a deciding set.
The tie-break was a nerve-jangler. With the score level at 13-13, every rally drew gasps from the stands. But it was Turkmenistan who held their nerve, sealing the deal 16-14 to book their place in the championship final.
Despite the loss, Bangladesh remain in contention for a place in the final.
Having won three matches previously, the hosts will reach title decider if they beat Afghanistan in their last round-robin fixture.
