India to play for pride against New Zealand in FIBA Asia Cup

The Young Cagers lost the first two group stage matches.

It has been tough going for the Indian women's basketball team at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2021. They have lost both their group matches so far. India faced defeat against defending champions Japan in the first match and then endured a loss against South Korea. The consecutive defeats mean that the Indian team are out of contention for the semi-finals of the Asia Cup.

The Indians did put up a good fight in the first half against South Korea, but failed to stand their ground in the second. The Young Cagers went down 69-107 against a way superior South Korean side.

With chances of qualifying for the semi-finals already gone, Zoran Visic's side have pride at stake against New Zealand in their last match at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup.

India

Honestly, it has been a learning curve for the Indian women's basketball team in the Asia Cup. Zoran Visic needs to keep them motivated even after two defeats, as they aim to come out and show character against New Zealand. A win even in the last match of the FIBA Asia Cup will be a big moment for Indian basketball, in general.

New Zealand

Just like India, New Zealand have also lost their first two matches against South Korea and defending champions Japan. However, the Tall Ferns posed a greater threat against both teams. New Zealand were beaten 69-85 against a pretty good South Korean side. They kept fighting throughout the game and mostly looked in contention. However, they were on point against defending champions Japan, as they lost 50-62. The Tall Ferns were surprisingly good throughout the match, but Japan held their nerves and proved their quality under pressure.

Venue

It is a big occasion for Jordan as they are hosting the FIBA Asia Cup for the first time. They need more global exposure as they are doing great efforts to uphold the spirit of Women's basketball. The match will be taking place at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan.

The facilities are excellent at the stadium as we expect a firecracker of a game between two competitive teams.

Player to Watch

Penina Davidson

The Melbourne Boomers center has been outstanding for the Tall Ferns in this FIBA Asia Cup. Although New Zealand have lost their consecutive matches against South Korea and Japan, Davidson has been their best performer. The 26-year-old has a dominating presence and her height of 6'3'' will be very useful against the Young Cagers.

In their first game against South Korea, Davidson notched up 21 points as she lead the charge for the Tall Ferns. She also used her height really well, registering a joint game-high of 11 rebounds. She kept up her performance even against Japan as she registered 6 rebounds. Her daunting presence will be very crucial for the Tall Ferns against India.

Squads

India

Vaishnavi Yadav, Sruthi Arvind, Stephy Nixon, Sathiya Senthil, Navaneetha Pattemane, Sreekala Rani, Anumaria Chenganamatthathil, Shireen Limaye, Sahana Shivamogga, Pushpa Senthil, Madhu Kamari, Nishanthi Masumamani.

New Zealand

Mary Goulding, Ashley Taia, Krystal Leger-Walker, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Tessa Boagni, Ashleigh Karaitiana, Brooke Blair, Chevannah Paalvast, Penina Davidson, Lauryn Hippolite, Zoe Richards, Kalani Purcell.

Where To Watch?

The India Vs New Zealand match at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup will be streamed on the official FIBA Youtube Channel on September 29, 2021, at 3:30 pm IST.

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