FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier: Fierce India succumb to world number 27 Iran
India put up a spirited battle against a much higher ranked Iran in their Group E match of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers but ended up on the losing side
New Delhi: India put up a spirited battle against a much higher ranked Iran in their Group E match of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers but ended up on the losing side of a 53-86 scoreline at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.
India were ranked 81st in the FIBA rankings and were underdogs against 27th-ranked Iran, but the hosts started on a high note as the packed stadium cheered them on throughout the hour-long match. Striker Pranav Prince impressed with the interceptions in the opening minutes as the hosts took a two-point lead in the opening minute.
Taking time to get into their rhythm, Iran pushed on and used their superior physicality to get past the Indian defense, but the hosts were certainly in the game, trailing by just three points at the end of the first quarter.
The Indians tried to counter Iran with quick runs and converted more than 40% of their two-pointers, but struggled to satisfy Iran with the rebounds and paid the price. India, who had lost their group opener against Kazakhstan, trailed 32-42 at half-time.
Pranav Prince top-scored for the hosts with 11 points, with Arvind Kumar Muthu Krishnan and Muin Bek Hafeez contributing nine points each.
For Iran, Benham Yakhchali scored 15 points, while Mohammad Amini and Salar Monji added 14 points each for the team.
Commenting on the team’s performance, Serbian Vaseline Matic, head coach of the Indian team said, “India has talent, we need more experience. We now have some head start for the next qualifier in November and the national team will participate in the club championship and several other exposure trips. We are confident that we can deliver a winning performance.”
When asked which Indian player impressed him the most and in response to the Iranian coach, Hakan Demor spoke highly of the young Indian team. He said he was very impressed with Indian striker Pranav Prince.