MIES (Switzerland) - Saudi Arabia have become the first team to go 2-0 in the opening window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, steamrolling past India.
The 83-57 win comes on the back of their previous 75-51 victory in Riyadh earlier this week.
Daily highs
Efficiency: Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (KSA) - +24 Points: Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (KSA) - 26 Rebounds: Mohammad Alsuwailem (KSA) - 9 Assists: Marzouq Almuwallad (KSA) - 5 Steals: Pranav Prince (IND) - 4 Blocks: Mohammad Alsuwailem (KSA) - 4
Alsuwailem is the Sultan of swat in big win
In a virtual repeat of their opening leg game, Saudi Arabia and India reiterated their respective strengths and weaknesses. Saudi center Mohammad Alsuwailem, in particular, was a beast in the paint, denying India any easy shots at the rim. He had already collected 4 blocks in the first half alone.
Saudi Arabia, as a team, threatened to match the World Cup Qualifiers record for blocks, swatting away 7 shots at halftime, before cooling down with a comfortable lead.
On the other end, Asia Cup 2025 top scorer Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman continued handling business, firing 26 points to go along with 3 assists.
India's shooting struggles continued for the second straight game at 29.0 percent from the field. Shooting guard Kanwar Sandhu was the sole bright spot, and only one to score in double digits, finishing with 19 points, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Saudi Arabia are off to a great start in this Qualifiers cycle, as it is the first time Saudi Arabia has gone 2-0 inside a single window of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Results
Group C Iraq vs Iran Syria vs Jordan
Group D India 57-83 Saudi Arabia Lebanon vs Qatar
*This article will continue to be updated throughout the day.
FIBA