India will be up against a tough Lebanon team in a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers match at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium on Monday.
India, which will miss Vishesh Bhriguvanshi and Sahaij Sekhon because of injuries, comes into the second of the second-round matches having lost the first against Jordan 64-80. India is at the bottom of Group E, having lost all five of its matches (four from the first round).
Much will depend on skipper Muin Bek Hafeez’s form (15 points against Jordan) and coach Veselin Matic’s acumen if the young, but inexperienced India is to put up a strong fight and get its first points of the campaign.
But Lebanon, silver medallist from last month’s FIBA Asia Cup, is a difficult opponent. It lies second in the table on nine points and unlike India, has a near full side led by Ali Haider.
Star shooting-guard Wael Arakji, who was adjudged the Most Valuable Player at the Asia Cup, has continued his irresistible form, scoring 24 points in the 85-81 win against Philippines in the previous encounter.
There is confidence in the Indian camp that their youthful outfit has the legs to keep up with the Lebanese. Whether they have the game will be known on Monday.
Star shooting-guard Wael Arakji, who was adjudged the Most Valuable Player at the Asia Cup, has continued his irresistible form, scoring 24 points in the 85-81 win against Philippines in the previous encounter.
There is confidence in the Indian camp that their youthful outfit has the legs to keep up with the Lebanese. Whether they have the game will be known on Monday.
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