Abdulkadir Masterclass Leads Bahrain to Playoffs

High-scoring display vs. India shows Bahrain’s growing confidence

Bahrain’s youth team wrapped up the group phase of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup with a 111–80 win over India yesterday morning at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The result meant Bahrain finished as runners up in Group A with six points, while defending champions Australia topped the pool with a perfect nine.

Australia now advance directly to the quarter-finals after they beat Lebanon yesterday (73-61). Bahrain, meanwhile, move on to the Qualification to Quarter-Finals stage, where they will face the Philippines tomorrow at 6:30AM. The winner of that match will then meet China in the quarter-finals on Friday, after the Chinese secured first place in Group C with a 97–81 win over Korea.

A Strong Finish

Bahrain’s win over India capped an encouraging turnaround after their tournament-opening 141–47 loss to Australia. The team bounced back with a pulsating 70–68 win against Lebanon, and yesterday’s performance highlighted their improved control under pressure.

Quarter by quarter, Bahrain steadily widened their lead: up 30–27 after the first frame, they pulled clear by halftime (53–39) and continued to dominate in the second half, outscoring India 58–41.

Standout Performances

- Hassan Abdulkadir (BRN): 31 points, 21 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, 4 steals — a dominant all-around performance

- Somto Patrick (BRN): 30 points, 18 rebounds

- Hussain Faud (BRN): 14 points, 7 assists

- Mohamed Adel (BRN): 10 points

- Arman (IND): 23 points, 9 rebounds

- Shekhar Rathee (IND): 22 points, 8 assists

Still to Come

With the group stage now complete, Bahrain’s focus shifts to Thursday’s Qualification to Quarter-Finals clash with the Philippines. A win would set up a match against China in the quarter-finals on Friday, and keep alive their hopes of reaching the U16 Asia Cup semi-finals for the first time. Today will be a rest day for all teams.

Upcoming Games (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) - Schedule timings are based on Bahrain local time:

Qualification to Quarter-Finals – Thursday, Sep 4

• Korea vs Kazakhstan 11:30AM

• Chinese Taipei vs Lebanon 9AM 

• Iran vs Malaysia 2PM

• Bahrain vs Philippines 6:30AM

Quarter-Finals – Friday, Sep 5

• Australia vs TBD

• Japan vs TBD

• New Zealand vs TBD

• China vs TBD

- Semi-Finals – Saturday, Sep 6

- Final – Sunday, Sep 7 2PM