India vs Bahrain live streaming, qualification chances, players to watch, past matches: FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Round 2

The Indian men’s basketball team beat Iraq in their first match of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.

India’s road to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 reaches a critical juncture as they take on Bahrain in their second game of the final qualifying tournament. Fresh off a commanding 97-77 victory over Iraq, India are just one win away from securing their 11th consecutive FIBA Asia Cup appearance. With a spot in the tournament proper on the line, fans are eager to witness the high-stakes showdown live as both teams battle for qualification.

India vs Bahrain rivalry – A look at past encounters

India and Bahrain have a competitive history on the FIBA Asia stage, with Bahrain leading the head-to-head record 4-1 in their last five matchups. The most recent basketball encounter saw Bahrain defeat India 79-66 in the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament. Before that, Bahrain secured back-to-back wins in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, winning 88-72 (November 2020) and 68-67 (February 2020) in tightly contested battles.

India’s only victory over Bahrain came back in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, where they won 75-65 in the classification round. However, in the same tournament’s preliminary round, Bahrain edged out a narrow 82-80 win.

Heading into their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers clash, Bahrain hold a statistical edge, averaging 75.2 points per game, compared to India’s 65.3. Both teams are evenly matched in rebounding (33.7 RPG), but Bahrain have a slight advantage in assists (19.3 to 16.0) and free-throw shooting (78.2% to 61.6%), which could prove decisive.

The Indian men’s basketball team, however, hold a slight edge in three-point shooting (33% to 31.3%) and will need to capitalize on perimeter scoring to turn the tide in this long-standing rivalry. With a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 at stake, this showdown promises to be a crucial battle.

Also Read: FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Round 2 Rival Watch: India to face Iraq and Bahrain in final qualifying tournament

Players to watch: Key performers 

India

India captain Muin Bek Hafeez has been a consistent performer whenever India has won in the qualifiers, averaging 12.5 PPG and 5.2 RPG. Against Iraq, he led from the front with 17 points, fueled by five three-pointers, while also grabbing six rebounds, proving his ability to step up in big moments.

Pranav Prince, a versatile wing averaging 10.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 3.1 APG, came close to a double-double in the Iraq clash, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, showcasing his ability to contribute across all areas of the floor.

Sharpshooter Harsh Dagar has been a key perimeter threat, averaging 9.3 PPG and 4.8 APG. He delivered a much-needed scoring punch against Iraq with 13 points on three triples while also dishing out six assists, helping India control the offensive tempo.

ArvindKumar Krishnan, averaging 8.9 PPG, was flawless from deep against Iraq knocking down all four of his three-point attempts to finish with 12 points, further solidifying his role as a clutch perimeter shooter.

In the frontcourt, Palpreet Singh Brar (Avg: 8.7 PPG) and Arvinder Singh (Avg: 7.5 PPG) added valuable scoring depth, finishing with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

India seized control in the second quarter when Sandhu and Krishnan ignited a 5-0 run to establish a 35-30 lead, which they extended to 44-38 at halftime. However, the game truly swung in India’s favour in the third quarter, as Prince, Brar, and Hafeez combined for a 10-2 scoring surge, pushing the lead to 54-40 with 5:50 remaining.

This dominant stretch set the tone for a commanding 32-point quarter, proving India’s ability to dictate the pace when firing on all cylinders.

Also Read: India trounce Iraq to stay alive in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualification race

Bahrain

Bahrain boast a strong roster with multiple offensive threats and defensive anchors who have played key roles in their qualification campaign so far. Leading the charge is Mustafa Rashed, who has been a consistent scoring force, averaging 16.2 PPG, 4.5 APG, and 3.1 RPG in the qualifiers. His ability to create shots and facilitate the offense makes him a difficult matchup for India’s backcourt.

Another key player is Wayne Chism, the veteran forward who brings size and versatility to Bahrain’s lineup. Chism is averaging 15.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 1.6 BPG, making him a dominant presence in the paint on both ends. His rebounding ability and rim protection will be crucial in limiting India’s second-chance opportunities.

On the perimeter, Mohamed Kawaid is a sharpshooter capable of stretching the floor. Averaging 13.5 PPG and shooting 38% from three, he has the ability to punish defensive lapses. India’s perimeter defense will need to stay disciplined to contain his scoring impact.

Adding to Bahrain’s firepower is Hussain Altawash, who is averaging 12.7 PPG and 5.1 APG, serving as a reliable playmaker and secondary scorer. His ability to break down defenses and find open teammates makes him a crucial piece in Bahrain’s offensive system.

Qualification stakes

With a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 on the line, India and Bahrain face a crucial showdown that could determine their qualification fate. India, having already taken a significant step forward, ahead of their opponents who they will play on the 23rd of March should look to seal their spot with a victory over the hosts.

However, if they fall to Bahrain, their qualification hopes will hinge on the outcome of the Bahrain vs Iraq clash on March 24.

For Bahrain, the stakes are even higher. Despite being the Group H favourites, they must win every game to ensure direct qualification. A loss to India would force them into a must-win scenario against Iraq—an opponent they are expected to beat—but it would still leave a slight element of uncertainty.

India’s young cagers must approach this contest with confidence, knowing that a victory secures their ticket to the tournament. However, even in defeat, they remain in contention, with their fate partially dependent on Bahrain’s performance against Iraq. With everything to play for, both teams must bring their best to the court in this high-stakes battle.

Here’s everything you need to know about when, where, and how to watch the match live as India look to sweep Group H and book their ticket to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the 31st edition of FIBA Asia Cup, set for August 5-17.

Match details

• Fixture: India vs Bahrain 
• Date: March 22 (Past midnight in India)
• Time: 12:30 AM (IST) 
• Venue: Khalifa Sports City, Manama, Bahrain 

Where and how to watch live telecast of India vs Bahrain match in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Round 2?

Unfortunately, there will be no live telecast available for the match in India.

Where and how to watch live streaming of India vs Bahrain match in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Round 2?

The India vs Bahrain game will be streamed live on the Official FIBA App Courtside1891. In India, fans can sign into the Courtside1891 app to stream the match with the applied charges.

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