# India Beats Iraq 97-77 to Qualify for FIBA Asia Cup 2025

URL: https://technosports.co.in/fiba-asia-cup-2025-final-india-beats-iraq-97/  
Published: 2025-03-24  
Updated: 2025-03-24  
Author: REMYA BABU S

The Indian basketball team showcased dominance in their opening match of the [FIBA Asia Cup 2025](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_FIBA_Asia_Cup)Final Qualifying Tournament by securing a commanding 97-77 win over Iraq at the Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain.

> The final 16 teams going to FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 🔒[#AsiaCup](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/SPKxoS5uKZ](https://t.co/SPKxoS5uKZ)
>
> — FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAAsiaCup) [March 23, 2025](https://twitter.com/FIBAAsiaCup/status/1903914760468377774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## ***FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Final :*** ***India Defeats Iraq 97-77 to Edge Closer to FIBA Asia Cup 2025***

### **India’s Clinical Performance**

Led by captain Muin Bek Hafeez, who delivered a stellar performance with **17 points and five three-pointers**, Team India outclassed Iraq in all aspects of the game. Hafeez was well-supported by Pranav Prince (14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists) and Harsh Dagar (13 points, 6 assists).

India, ranked 81st in the FIBA men’s rankings, faced an intense opening quarter that ended **level at 30-30**. However, India took control in the second quarter with a solid defense and quick offense. Arvind Krishnan and Sandhu combined to give India a lead that they never surrendered.

> World No.81 India defeated World No.66 Bahrain 81-77 in Manama, Bahrain in the final Group H Western Region Final Qualifying Tournament for FIBA Asia Cup 2025.  
>   
> 20 years old Harsh Dagar scored 28 points.  
>   
> India had also defeated WR 93 Iraq 97-77 in the tournament. [pic.twitter.com/tYsbJ8YsYj](https://t.co/tYsbJ8YsYj)
>
> — Voice of Indian Sport (@vo_indiansport) [March 23, 2025](https://twitter.com/vo_indiansport/status/1903696089284522361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

### T**urning Point: Dominance in Middle Quarters**

The second and third quarters were where India truly stamped their authority, outscoring Iraq 46-22. India’s three-point accuracy was outstanding, with a **53.5% success rate** from beyond the arc, compared to Iraq’s 18.8%.

A decisive 10-2 scoring run in the third quarter, powered by Prince, Hafeez, and Palpreet Singh Brar, extended India’s lead to 54-40. Heading into the final frame with a comfortable **76-57 lead**, India wrapped up the game with a 20-point margin, ensuring a crucial victory.

### **Contributions Across the Board**

Apart from Hafeez’s brilliance, **Arvind Krishnan (12 points), Palpreet Singh Brar (11 points), and Arvinder Singh (10 points)** made valuable contributions off the bench. Their all-around effort ensured India maintained control throughout the match.

> Basketball 🏀   
>   
> Indian Men's Basketball team has qualified for 2025 Men's FIBA Asia Cup 🇮🇳  
>   
> They qualified by winning final qualifier group:  
>   
> 🇮🇶 77-97 🇮🇳  
> 🇮🇳 81-77 🇧🇭[#FIBAAsiaCup](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAAsiaCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Basketball](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/MlMAYkKB8B](https://t.co/MlMAYkKB8B)
>
> — The SportsGram India (@SportsgramIndia) [March 23, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportsgramIndia/status/1903648255608541599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

### **One Step Away from Qualification**

India will now face hosts **Bahrain on Saturday** in their final Group H encounter. A win against Bahrain would seal India’s place in the **FIBA Asia Cup 2025**, scheduled to be held in **Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17**.

### **Coach’s Delight**

Head coach **Scott Flemming** praised the team’s performance, highlighting their discipline in limiting turnovers and maintaining composure under pressure.

*“I am proud of how the boys handled the game. Our 22 assists and just eight turnovers were key to this win. We shot 16 three-pointers, and our defense was solid throughout. We’ll need to stay focused for the next challenge against Bahrain,”* said Flemming.

> 🇮🇳India has defeated 🇮🇶Iraq, India 97-77 Iraq in basketball🏀.  
>   
> Team India won their first match of FIBA Asia Cup Final Qualifying Tournament & are very close to Qualifying for FIBA Asia Cup 2025! 🏀 [pic.twitter.com/pWgoktIVsX](https://t.co/pWgoktIVsX)
>
> — Hero For Fun (@XClassHero) [March 22, 2025](https://twitter.com/XClassHero/status/1903596730047758795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

### **India’s Next Challenge: Bahrain Showdown**

India’s record against Bahrain stands at **one win and four losses**. However, with momentum on their side, the team is optimistic about securing their place in the FIBA Asia Cup for the **11th consecutive time**.

### **Match Summary**

- **India 97-77 Iraq**
- **Top Scorers for India:**
  - Muin Bek Hafeez – 17 points
  - Pranav Prince – 14 points, 9 rebounds
  - Harsh Dagar – 13 points, 6 assists
  - Arvind Krishnan – 12 points
- **Top Scorers for Iraq:**
  - Demario Mayfield – 20 points
  - Mohammad Al-Khafaji – 20 points

### **Final Score Breakdown:**

- Q1: 30-30
- Q2: 14-8 (India)
- Q3: 32-19 (India)
- Q4: 21-20 (India)

## **FAQs**

### Who did India defeat in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers?

India defeated Iraq with a score of 97-77.

### Who was India’s top scorer in the match against Iraq?

Muin Bek Hafeez was the top scorer with 17 points.

**Read more: [IPL 2025 Retentions: Full List of Retained and Released Players, Remaining Purse, RTM Cards & Confirmed Captains](https://technosports.co.in/ipl-2025-retentions-players-purse-rtm-captains/)**