Qatar sealed a 86-83 away win over Lebanon in the opening window.
Doha: Qatar will open their campaign in the second window of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 by hosting India today at 10pm at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. The Group D encounter is one of the standout fixtures of the window, while Lebanon face Saudi Arabia in Beirut.
Saudi Arabia currently lead the standings with four points after consecutive victories over India (75-51 and 81-57). Qatar sit second on three points following a narrow 75-74 defeat to Lebanon before responding with an impressive 86-83 away win in the opening window.
Lebanon are level on points with Qatar in third place, while India remain fourth with two points after losing both of their opening matches. The clash therefore presents Qatar with an important opportunity to strengthen their position ahead of Monday’s decisive meeting against Saudi.
Qatar prepared for the India and Saudi fixtures with an overseas training camp in Turkey under head coach Hakan Demir.
The Asian and Oceania qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups.
Group A includes Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Guam, while Group B consists of Japan, China, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.
Group C features Iran, Jordan, Syria and Iraq, with Group D comprising Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and India. The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where they will be reorganised into two new groups. From there, three teams from each group along with the best fourth-placed side overall will qualify for the 2027 World Cup.
