Basketball
Iran hands India a heavy defeat in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers
he defeat leaves India in a precarious position, making their upcoming clash against Qatar a must-win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The Indian men's basketball team endured a tough night in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, falling to a dominant Iran side 106-55 at the Azadi Basketball Hall.
The defeat leaves India in a precarious position, making their upcoming clash against Qatar a must-win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Despite coming into the game with momentum after a stunning 88-69 victory over Kazakhstan in the previous window, India struggled to contain a relentless Iranian attack. Iran, needing a win to seal their spot in the FIBA Asia Cup, delivered a masterclass, pulling away in the second quarter with a 28-5 run that effectively ended India's challenge.
Iran's 19-year-old sensation Mohammad Amini was the standout performer, torching the Indian defense with 33 points on an astonishing 14-of-15 shooting. His performance set a new record for the most field goals made in an Asia Cup Qualifier, surpassing previous bests by Ahmed Haji, Brian Halums, and Freddie Lish. Amini was flawless from beyond the arc, going 5-for-5 and tying Lebanon’s Karim Zeinoun for the most three-pointers made in a game without a miss.
India found no answers to Iran’s firepower, with Matin Aghajanpour adding 18 points, all from three-pointers, and Hasan Aliakbari chipping in with 10. Veteran Arsalan Kazemi contributed with 5 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals, ensuring a well-rounded effort from the three-time Asia Cup champions.
The Indian squad, plagued by turnovers and missed opportunities, had only one player reach double digits. Amritpal Singh led the team with 18 points, but his efforts were in vain as India committed 29 turnovers, allowing Iran to capitalize and maintain control throughout the game.
With this loss, India now sits at 1-4 in Group E, putting immense pressure on their final Qualifier against Qatar in Doha on February 24. A win is crucial if they are to remain in contention for a spot in the continental showpiece.
Meanwhile, Iran, now 4-1, has officially booked their place in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. They will look to finish their qualifying campaign on a high when they face Kazakhstan in Astana on February 24.
