Doha: Qatar opened their second-window campaign of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 in emphatic fashion, defeating India 99-73 at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
Qatar set the tone early in the Group D encounter by taking the first quarter 28-17 before India responded to narrow the gap with a strong second period. However, the hosts regained full control after the break, producing a decisive 30-9 third-quarter surge that effectively settled the contest. The victory reinforces Qatar’s push towards the next round ahead of Monday’s crucial clash against Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile in Beirut, Lebanon registered a commanding 99-64.
The Asian and Oceania qualifiers feature 16 teams competing across six windows through March 2027, with the top sides advancing toward qualification for the World Cup, which Qatar will host.