MANAMA (Bahrain) - The top two spots in the standings of Group D might have already been decided, but that doesn’t mean that their nothing left for the teams to fight for in these upcoming games in the Manama bubble.

Whether it’s avoiding elimination, protecting home turf, or just the pride of locking up the stop at the top of the standings, the plot is just as thick as ever.

Gunning for the Top

As mentioned, Lebanon (4-0) and Bahrain (3-1) have already clinched the top two spots in the standings and the two direct Asia Cup 2021 qualification tickets. However, Lebanon have yet to lock up the top spot in the group and Bahrain could have their eyes set on the throne as hosts of the bubble.

These two teams will face each other on February 20 at 19:00 PM (GMT +3). Bahrain will have to beat Lebanon by quite a large amount as they suffered a 116-73 loss back in the first window of the Qualifiers, but never rule out a team playing on their home court.

Key Matchup: India vs Iraq

The highlight of the Manama bubble in Group F, however, will be the battle for third place. While only the top two spots of the standings of each group at the end of the Qualifiers gets a direct ticket to Asia Cup 2021, the third-placed teams get to keep their hopes alive. All six of the third-placed teams in the six groups will proceed to play in a separate Qualifying Tournament which will seed out the remaining teams that will filled up the Asia Cup 2021 roster.

That is what is at stake in the clash between India (1-3) and Iraq (0-4) on February 20 at 17:00 PM (GMT +3).

India managed to handily defeat Iraq (94-75) the first time they matched up back on February 24, 2020. This upbeat and young squad of India could seal the deal with another win here in the Manama bubble.

However, it would be foolish to count out Iraq on flipping the script. It’s only been a few years since Iraq pulled off the upset of beating a powerhouse like Iran during the World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers and they certainly still have the talent to pull off a big win. Iraq might be winless so far in the Qualifiers, but true Asia Cup fans know that they have much more potential than their record shows.

Star: Kevin Galloway (IRQ)

Demario Mayfield had been Iraq’s best player in their first four games, leading the team in points and rebounds while being second in assists. However, they are going to change it up here in this final stretch and shift their focus to Kevin Galloway.

The 32-year-old provides side at the wing for Iraq, which is much-needed going against a super-sized India squad. He shouldn’t have any difficulties adjusting to the team as well, considering that he had already starred for Iraq in the previous edition of the Qualifiers in 2017.

Galloway fills up the stat sheet and flirts with triple-doubles in his sleep, but Iraq will need him wide awake especially in the crucial tilt against India.

Player to Watch: Rajeev Kumar (IND)

By now, the fans should be used to discussing about tall, lengthy inside players when talking about rising prospects from India. For these games in the Manama bubble however, it might be wise to keep an eye on Rajeev Kumar.

The 19-year-old is one of four players born in 2000 or later for India, but is the only one who will be making their senior national team debut. However, Kumar might just be the most electric player in that young group.

Kumar proved to be one of the best scorers back at U18 Asian Championship back in 2018, highlighted by a 40-point explosions against Korea. It would obviously be nice for India if their talented young gunner can do that again in the Manama bubble, but they’d be glad enough already with some solid minutes.

FIBA