TEHRAN – Iran lost to Australia 3-1 (26-24, 25-23, 25-27, 31-29) in the Preliminary Round of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Avenging defeat in their last encounter during the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup in Surabaya, Australia outplayed Iran in the Pool A of the Manila edition, dominating the match with 69 attacks, 12 blocks and 11 service aces. 

Caitlin Tipping probably played the match of her life, with a whopping 34-point haul to help the Volleyroos key in a Final Four appearance. 

With Sunday’s win, Australia have now improved their position from 2023’s sixth-place finish, and will aim for a place at the podium in their second time to participate in the championship. 

The participating teams will take a rest and recovery day before heading the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Iran are scheduled to meet Hong Kong on Tuesday in the 5th-8th place.

The Finals set on Wednesday will determine the team to qualify for the Volleyball World Challenger Cup on July 4-7, 2024 in Manila, Philippines.