PVL 2025 Season 4 (Match 27): Ahmedabad Defenders hand Mumbai Meteors first loss in a high-voltage 3–1 showdown

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 23: The Ahmedabad Defenders snapped the Mumbai Meteors’ unbeaten streak with a pulsating 12–15, 15–7, 15–12, 21–20 victory in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia – Season 4, held at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad, on Saturday. Nandhagopal was named the Player of the Match. With this commanding performance, Ahmedabad climbed to second place in the standings with 12 points from 6 matches, while Mumbai dropped to third.

Nandhagopal set the tone early for Ahmedabad, with setter Muthusamy Appavu skillfully orchestrating plays from the centre, capitalising on Abhinav’s attacking prowess. The Meteors attempted to exploit openings in Zone 2, as Mathias Loftesnes earned a super serve and Petter Ostvik denied Angamuthu twice at the net. However, Dhruvil Shah’s relentless service pressure kept Ahmedabad steady. A bold super serve from Mumbai helped them secure the opening set, but Ahmedabad’s composure and tactical discipline turned the tide in their favour.

The second set saw Battur Batsuuri spark Ahmedabad’s comeback, with Angamuthu rediscovering his rhythm and testing Mumbai’s defence relentlessly. Nandha’s powerful super spike secured a super point, bringing the contest level at one set apiece.

Sustained attacking pressure from Batsuuri and Angamuthu enabled Ahmedabad to seize control in the third set. Trailing behind, Mumbai introduced veteran blocker Karthik, whose super serve momentarily swung momentum back in their favour. Nikhil’s left-handed spikes added variety to Mumbai’s offence, but Ahmedabad held firm.

A brilliant service ace from Nandha restored Ahmedabad’s lead in a tense fourth set. The encounter reached its climax when Angamuthu executed a crucial block against Loftesnes, sealing a memorable 3–1 victory for the Defenders. The win not only handed Mumbai their first loss of the season but also reaffirmed Ahmedabad’s credentials as strong title contenders.