FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers:
India go down fighting against Iran
Iran defeated India 86-53 at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Window 1 on Monday at the K.D. Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi.
Five players finished in double figures in the lopsided win, with lead swingman Behnam Yakhchali leading the way with a game-high 15 points, reported Tasnim News Agency.
Ranked 81st in the FIBA rankings, India were the underdogs against 27th-ranked Iran but the hosts started with a lot of gumption as the packed stadium cheered them throughout the hour-long match.
Iran took time to get into their rhythm but moved ahead, using their superior physicality to get past the Indian defence but the hosts were definitely in the game, trailing by just three points at the end of the first quarter.
The Indians tried to counter Iran with fast-paced runs and converted over 40% of their two-pointers but struggled to content Iran on the rebounds and paid the price for the same. India, who had lost their Group opener away to Kazakhstan, trailed 32-42 at half time.
For Iran, Benham Yakhchali scored 15 points while Mohammad Amini and Salar Monji added 14 points each for the team.
Salar Monji and 18-year-old forward Mohammad Amini produced identical numbers of 14 points and 9 rebounds, with the former netting a game-best efficiency of 23.
Sajjad Mashayekhi, the hero in their overtime escape of Qatar last game, supplied 11 points. Meisam Mirzaei flirted with a double-double with 10 points and 9 boards.
Team Melli was holding a slim three-point lead late in the second period until Mirzaei led a 9-2 run that gave it a 42-32 lead heading into halftime.
Commenting on the team’s performance, Serbian Vaseline Matic, who is head coach of Indian team said, “India has talent, we need more experience. We have some gap now before the next qualifier in November and the national team will be participating in club championship and multiple other exposure trips. We are confident that we can give a winning performance.”
When asked which Indian player impressed him the most and in response the Iranian Coach, Hakan Demor spoke highly about the young Indian side. He said he was really impressed by the Indian forward Pranav Prince.
Iran had defeated Qatar 76-74 in Tehran on Friday.