Australia, Iran Clash in FIBA Asia Cup Semifinals

Download IPFS

Australia and Iran are set to renew their basketball rivalry in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup semifinals, scheduled for Sunday, August 17, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This matchup revisits their previous encounter in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup Finals, where Australia defeated Iran 79-56 to claim its first championship in the tournament.

Since that initial meeting, the Australian Boomers have established themselves as a dominant force in the Asia Cup, entering this year’s semifinals as two-time defending champions. They are aiming for a potential three-peat after also winning the 2022 edition. The Boomers’ dominance has been evident throughout the tournament, with an average winning margin of 25.3 points heading into the semis.

In the quarterfinals, Australia secured a decisive 84-60 win against Gilas Pilipinas. The Boomers set the pace early with seven three-pointers in the first quarter, establishing a 29-12 lead they maintained for the remainder of the match. Jaylin Galloway reportedly contributed 15 points, three rebounds, an assist, and a steal, while Owen Foxwell added 15 points, including three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping secure Australia’s victory.

Iran reached the semifinals through a series of hard-fought wins. In the quarterfinals against Chinese Taipei, Team Melli overcame a 21-point deficit to secure a 78-75 victory. Mohammad Amini reportedly led the comeback with a 30-point, 11-rebound double-double, supported by Sina Vahedi, who scored 21 points to help complete the turnaround.

The upcoming semifinal is expected to be a competitive clash, testing Australia’s sustained offensive power against Iran’s resilience and determination. With Australia pursuing a third consecutive Asia Cup title and Iran seeking redemption, both teams face high stakes in this key match.

Fans can expect a potentially intense encounter at King Abdullah Sports City, where Australia’s scoring and Iran’s defensive tenacity may shape the outcome. The semifinal is likely to be a highlight of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, drawing attention from basketball enthusiasts across Asia and beyond.