FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers India vs Iran review: Dominant Iran overwhelms India in Delhi

Published at :February 27, 2024 at 9:59 PM

Modified at :February 27, 2024 at 9:59 PM

(Courtesy : FIBA)

Iran capitalized on 22 second-chance opportunities, while India managed to score only two.

The Indian basketball team ended its campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Window 1 with a 53-86 loss to Iran at the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. Despite having home-court advantage, India failed to capitalize on the energy of the crowd. Pranav Prince proved to be the most efficient player with 12 EFF, he scored 11 points and recorded six rebounds in the game. For Iran, Salar Monji was their top player with 14 points and nine rebounds to his name.

The match began with the same defensive intensity that the Indian Cagers had displayed against Kazakhstan. However, it followed a familiar pattern from the previous game, with India gradually losing their early lead. Rebounding and second-chance points were critical issues for the Indian side. Iran capitalized on 22 second-chance opportunities, while India managed to score only two.

Coach Veselin Matic’s team faced a significant challenge in matching Iran’s rebounding capabilities. With only two pure centers—Amritpal Singh and Palpreet Singh Brar—India struggled under the basket. Palpreet’s eventual foul-out forced Amritpal and Princepal to handle the center position.

India and Iran basketball players in action during their FIBA Asia Cup 2024 Qualifiers (Courtesy: FIBA)

Till the first half of the second quarter, India were into the game with a gap of just four points. “We lacked communication on defense and couldn’t match the physicality of Iran,” said Muin Bek Hafeez at the post-game conference.

The second half showed India was worn out because of Iran’s physicality and was unable to recover with players left open to take shots. “Due to players coming from different regions, we don’t have a common language.”

The focus now shifts to the 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore and the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in November. “We will try to give a more competitive experience before the second window so that we are ready,” said Veselin Matic on his preparations for the second window.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram