India blow half-time lead to lose to Qatar in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

India's hopes of progressing in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers came to an end after Qatar fought back from an eight-point half-time deficit to secure a 65-56 win in Group D at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

The result left India without a win in five matches and confirmed their elimination from the qualification race. It also completed a double over the hosts for Qatar, who had beaten India earlier in the campaign.

India looked on course for their first victory after controlling the opening half. Harsh Dagar gave the hosts an early boost with a three-pointer, helping them establish a 12-7 lead after the opening quarter.

The home side strengthened its grip before the interval as Pranav Prince contributed eight second-quarter points, including two shots from beyond the arc. India entered the break with a comfortable 30-22 advantage after limiting Qatar's scoring opportunities.

Qatar seize momentum after the interval

The contest turned dramatically in the third quarter as Qatar increased the tempo and began finding success on offence. India struggled to match the visitors' intensity, allowing their lead to shrink to just two points at 44-42 heading into the final quarter.

With momentum firmly on their side, Qatar dominated the closing stages while India's attack dried up. Abdulrahman Saad finished as the game's leading scorer with 24 points, while Harsh Dagar and Pranav Prince scored 13 points each for India.

India will wrap up their Group D campaign against group leaders Lebanon, ranked 33rd in the world, at the same venue on Sunday.

The Asian Qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups, with India drawn alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The qualification tournament forms part of the global pathway to the FIBA World Cup 2027, which involves 80 teams across four continental regions.