Can South Asian teams Bangladesh and Sri Lanka surprise Palestine and Bahrain?
BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers - Western Region) – Palestine takes on Bangladesh in the curtain raiser at 5pm local time, followed by Sri Lanka vs hosts Bahrain at 7:30.
MANAMA (FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers - Western Region) – Palestine takes on Bangladesh in the curtain raiser at 5pm local time, followed by Sri Lanka vs hosts Bahrain at 7:30.
Palestine vs Bangladesh 5pm (local time)
Bangladesh (WR-147) is going to have its task cut out against West Asian side Palestine, which is ranked 51 spots higher (WR-96). On paper, the teams are comparable in size (average height 6ft 3’’ for Palestine and 6ft 2’’ for Bangladesh). But the relatively inexperienced and young Bangladesh (with an average age of 24) will need to fire on all cylinders to even come close to Palestine, which boasts of dynamic scorers Abu Shamala and Sani Sakakini, in their ranks.
Expect the 6ft 8’’ Sakakini to dominate the glass on both ends of the floor. The key for Bangladesh meanwhile will be to keep their turnovers in check, and be as efficient as possible from the field.
Sri Lanka vs Bahrain 7:30 pm (local time)
Hosts Bahrain will be keen to start their campaign with a win. In Sri Lanka, they will find an opponent which may not be the most athletic, but will be one of the most disciplined.
An astute side, Sri Lanka was very impressive in the SABA Pre-Qualifiers, blowing away all opposition and pretty much leading from start to finish. Like its fellow SABA counterpart Bangladesh though, Sri Lanka will struggle against the physicality of the Gulf and West Asian teams.
Of all teams in action, Sri Lanka is the one most suited to play small ball. So expect their undersized forwards to stretch out to the perimeter and try their luck from beyond the arc.
Bahrain meanwhile, will be keen to break out into an early lead and dictate the tempo of the game from start to finish.
FIBA