Indian Basketball Team Faces Defeat Against Saudi Arabia
The Indian men’s basketball team faced a disappointing defeat against Saudi Arabia, losing 57-81 in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Group-D match. The game took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Match Overview
Indian player Kanwar Gurbaz Singh Sandhu was the standout performer for the hosts, scoring 19 points. However, it was Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman from Saudi Arabia who shone brighter, leading all scorers with 24 points. This match marked India’s second consecutive loss in the qualifications.
Shooting Struggles
India struggled significantly with shooting accuracy, converting only 22 of 76 field goal attempts. In contrast, Saudi Arabia demonstrated greater efficiency, hitting 30 of their 62 attempts. This disparity in shooting effectiveness played a crucial role in the game’s outcome.
Game Flow
- Both teams started aggressively, but Saudi Arabia quickly established control.
- Ali Shubayli’s early contribution included eight points, securing a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
- Sandhu’s three-pointer offered a brief resurgence for India, but Abdur-Rahkman maintained pressure with consistent scoring.
- In the second half, Harsh Dagar attempted to rally the team, making a couple of early baskets.
- However, Saudi Arabia’s Fahad Belal delivered a critical three-pointer, solidifying their lead to 33 points and effectively sealing the victory.
Current Standings
The defeat leaves India struggling at the bottom of Group-D with just two points. With four matches remaining, they face an uphill battle to improve their standing.
Final Scores
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| India | 57 |
| Saudi Arabia | 81 |
This ongoing challenge highlights the need for India to enhance their offensive strategies and shooting precision in the upcoming games.
