MANAMA (Bahrain) - It’s a close battle between the teams in Group F where the direct qualification spots to Asia Cup 2021 is still up for grabs. We’ve already had a preview of how intense the games between these teams can be, so expect plenty of action in the Manama bubble.

Schedule

February 18: Sri Lanka vs Kazakhstan (16:00 GMT +3)
February 19: Palestine vs Kazakhstan (16:00 GMT +3)
February 21: Sri Lanka vs Palestine (16:00 GMT +3)
February 22: Kazakhstan vs Sri Lanka (16:00 GMT +3)

Game to Watch: Palestine vs Kazakhstan

It will be almost exactly one year since the last time these two teams faced each other in their opening game of the Qualifiers, back on February 21, 2020.

Palestine’s Sani Sakakini erupted for 44 points in that game, which still stands as single-game high among all Continental Cup Qualifiers game and the only 40-point game so far. However, the Steppen Wolves withstood that scoring explosion and edged Palestine to a 79-76 win which was a nail-biter down to the final seconds.

Both teams are heading into the Manama bubble with 1-1 records and Kazakhstan only has one game to play before the rematch against Palestine. With some new faces expected to be brought in by Palestine for the game, this could turn out to be must-see TV… once again.

Star: Sani Sakakini (PLE)

Again, Sakakini scored 44 points in a game during the last window of play in the Asia Cup Qualifiers. He’s long been the star for Palestine and there’s no real reason for them to shy away from that fact.

It also should be mentioned that while Kazakhstan might not have a specific individual piece to directly match Sakakini’s starpower, they do have multiple high-caliber players that can cause big-time problems in Anthony Clemmons and Alexandr Zhigulin.

Players to Watch: … many!

Aside from the aforementioned big names of Sakakini, Clemmons, and Zhigulin, there’s still much more talented players to keep your eyes on in these upcoming games.

Palestine will be bringing in players who were recently based abroad in Kyndall Dykes and Jamal Mayali. The two should fill in the backcourt spots for Palestine and open up some space in the paint.

Sri Lanka have an 0-2 record heading into this window and will need to unlease whatever they have in their tanks to keep their Asia Cup hopes alive. Look for them to turn to Pawan Samira Milidduwa Gamage and Clinton Stallone Thevakumar who were their two key men back in Window 1.

FIBA