Nepal national women’s volleyball team stormed into the final of the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League after they defeated Iran in straight sets of 25-21, 28-26, 25-20 at the National Sports Council covered hall in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

Up next for Nepal is a blockbuster final against their South Asian rivals India, which is scheduled for Wednesday.

India beat Sri Lanka 25-15, 25-16, 25-23 earlier in the afternoon.

The win also helped Nepal exact revenge on the Iranians who had defeated the hosts 25-16, 16-25, 25-23, 15-25, 15-13 in the group stage, with the loss costing Nepal a top-placed finish in the league.

But, on Tuesday, Nepal were more disciplined and technically better although they had to survive a scare from Iran in the second set.

Iran started the first set brightly taking a 5-1 lead but Nepal recovered to level the set 6-6 and never looked back, winning 25-21.

The second set was a more thrilling contest.

Nepal were ahead by 13-7 at one point but a lack of coordination and communication between the players soon left them reeling behind at 24-21. But Aruna Shahi’s team showed a significant revival to hold Iran to 24-24, with Usha Bhandari winning three points in a row.

Iran earned the match points two more times but captain Shahi used her decade-long experience and wit before Niruta Thagunna capped off a brilliant Nepal comeback with a rock-solid spike.

Having gained a 2-0 advantage, Nepal then won the third set, which also went neck-to-neck most of the time, to set up a mouth-watering final against India.

It was also Nepal’s first ever victory over Iran in women’s volleyball.

“It is a very happy moment for us,” said Nepal coach Jagadhish Bhatta during the presentation.

“Iran are technically sound. But our players were more motivated. Nepal had committed several mistakes against Iran in the previous game (group stage). Today our team corrected them,” he added.

“Obviously, our team made some mistakes against Iran (in the semi-final)…. but they were more cautious in the crucial moments.”

Nepal will head into the final with full of confidence having beaten them 25-18, 12-25, 25-17, 18-25, 15-13 for a historic win.

Bhatta was confident Nepal will repeat the feat again.

“I believe in my team. I believe that Nepal will defeat India and win the trophy,” Bhatta added.

Niruta Thagunna said Nepal will give their best in the final against India, once again.

“We have already defeated India once in this tournament. But we still have weaknesses to work on. We are ready for India,” said Thagunna, who had been one of the most outstanding players this season.