In a commanding display of power volleyball, Indonesia’s Jakarta Bhayangkara surged past Iran’s Sirjan 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 25-20) on May 17, 2026, in a thrilling AVC Champions League group-stage encounter. The home side dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, using a ferocious blocking scheme and relentless offensive pressure to neutralise Sirjan’s renowned defensive system.

Match Overview

Played at the packed Istora Senayan in Jakarta, the match carried significant weight in Group B standings. Both teams entered the contest unbeaten in the tournament, making this a potential decider for top spot. Jakarta Bhayangkara’s aggressive serving disrupted Sirjan’s setter-hitter connection early, forcing the Iranian side into uncharacteristic errors. The host team’s composure in crunch moments proved decisive, as they converted 14 of their 18 break-point opportunities.

Key Moments

• First Set (25-22): Jakarta jumped to an 8-4 lead behind two aces from opposite hitter Rivan Nurmulki. Sirjan clawed back to 20-20, but a critical service error and a thunderous block by middle blocker Hendra Kurniawan sealed the set.
• Second Set (22-25): Sirjan found their rhythm, using quick combinations from setter Mohammad Reza Moazzen. Outside hitter Amir Hossein Eskandari recorded five kills in this set alone, leveling the match.
• Third Set (25-18): Jakarta’s block wall stood tall. With five blocks in the set, including two solo stuffs on Sirjan’s star opposite, the hosts raced to a 16-10 lead and never looked back.
• Fourth Set (25-20): Sirjan kept it close until 15-15, but Jakarta’s depth prevailed. Substitute libero Farhan Halim provided stellar digs that turned into transition points, and Nurmulki’s cross-court spike ended the match with authority.

Standout Performances

Rivan Nurmulki led all scorers with 24 points (20 kills, 3 aces, 1 block), earning Player of the Match honours. His ability to score from both pin positions kept Sirjan’s blockers guessing. Middle blocker Hendra Kurniawan contributed 8 blocks, forming an impenetrable wall with Dio Zulfikri (6 blocks). For Sirjan, Amir Hossein Eskandari finished with 18 points, but received limited support as the team’s hitting efficiency dropped to .267 in the final two sets.

Tactical Story

Jakarta Bhayangkara’s game plan exploited Sirjan’s relatively slower middle-blockers. By running a high-tempo offense through Nurmulki on the right side, the hosts forced Sirjan’s blockers to shift quickly, creating space for middle attacks. Coach Juan Manuel Barrial’s decision to start with a double-substitution in the third set injected fresh energy. Conversely, Sirjan’s reliance on Eskandari became predictable, and their inability to pass under pressure (only 52% positive reception) allowed Jakarta to load up the block.

Season Impact

The victory keeps Jakarta Bhayangkara perfect in the AVC Champions League group stage, strengthening their bid to reach the Final Four for the first time in club history. Sirjan, now with one loss, will need to win their remaining group matches to secure a quarterfinal berth.

Jakarta Bhayangkara next face Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds on May 20, while Sirjan travel to China to take on Shanghai Bright.