India Beat Kazakhstan 82-61 to Reach FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 Qualification to Quarter-Finals

India kept their FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 campaign alive with a commanding 82-61 victory over Kazakhstan at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium on Tuesday, securing the result they needed to advance to the Qualification to Quarter-Finals.

After beginning the tournament with two defeats, India entered their final Group D game knowing that only a victory would keep their hopes of progressing into the knockout stages alive. The SABA Qualifiers champions responded with their most complete performance of the tournament, gradually taking control before pulling away decisively in the second half.

The 21-point victory lifted India to a 1-2 record, enough to secure third place in Group D and a place in Thursday's qualification for quarter-finals. Their reward is a difficult assignment against Iran, who finished second in Group C with a 2-1 record.

India's opening two games had left them with little margin for error, but the hosts approached their final group match with urgency. Kazakhstan, also searching for their first victory, remained competitive during the early exchanges. India, however, began to establish control in the second quarter. The hosts created separation through improved defensive intensity and more efficient offensive execution. By half-time, India had built a 45-36 lead, giving themselves a nine-point cushion heading into the break.

The third quarter proved decisive.

India converted their growing momentum into a sustained run and began to pull away from Kazakhstan. Their defence made life increasingly difficult for Kazakhstan's offence, while India's attacking players continued to find ways to score. The result was a comfortable 82-61 victory and India's first win of the tournament.

Piyush Choudhary leads India's charge.

The outstanding performer for India was Piyush Choudhary, who delivered a superb all-round performance. Choudhary finished with 25 points and eight rebounds, while also contributing four assists, four steals and a block. His complete performance earned him a game-high efficiency rating of 29.

He was particularly influential during the first half. Choudhary scored 17 points before the interval, providing India with the offensive spark they needed to establish their nine-point half-time advantage. His only successful three-pointer of the game came at a crucial moment, giving India a 45-36 lead heading into the break. Choudhary continued to contribute after half-time, helping India turn their narrow advantage into a commanding lead.

His performance was not limited to scoring. The eight rebounds, four assists and four steals highlighted his influence across multiple areas of the game.

India also received a significant contribution from Ansh Tomer, who finished with a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds. Tomer's work on the boards was particularly important as India looked to control possession and prevent Kazakhstan from generating second-chance opportunities. Arman added 13 points and eight rebounds, giving India another reliable contributor on both ends of the floor.

Meanwhile, Shekhar Rathee produced one of the most unusual statistical lines of the game. Rathee finished with eight points, five rebounds, 11 assists and seven steals, demonstrating his influence as both a playmaker and defensive disruptor. His 11 assists helped India maintain offensive flow, while the seven steals added another layer to the defensive pressure that eventually overwhelmed Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan exit without a win

For Kazakhstan, the defeat confirmed their elimination from the competition. They finished Group D with a 0-3 record, unable to secure a victory across their three group matches. Sayan Mamutov was their leading scorer against India, producing 24 points, but Kazakhstan struggled to match India's depth and defensive intensity as the game progressed. Once India established their nine-point advantage at half-time, Kazakhstan was unable to produce the sustained response required to close the gap.

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India's qualification from Group D was also influenced by the result of the other final group-stage game. Korea finished top of the pool with a perfect 3-0 record, following a 67-64 comeback victory over Japan. Yoon Jihoon was central to Korea's victory, scoring nine of his 27 points in the fourth quarter as Korea overturned the deficit against the previously unbeaten Japanese side.

Japan therefore finished second in the group, while India's 1-2 record was enough to secure third place and progression.

For India, the immediate focus now shifts to Iran.

Iran challenge awaits in the next phase.

India will face Iran in the qualification to quarter-finals on Thursday, August 20, at the same Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium. Iran finished second in Group C with a 2-1 record and represents a considerably tougher challenge. The three-time champions possess a strong pedigree in the competition, making India the underdogs heading into the knockout qualification clash.

But India's victory over Kazakhstan provides an important boost. After losing their opening two games, the hosts have finally found momentum at the right stage of the tournament. The challenge now is to carry that confidence into a do-or-die contest.

A victory over Iran would take India into the quarterfinal stage and transform a difficult start into a potentially memorable tournament run.For now, however, the hosts can take satisfaction from a performance that delivered exactly what was required.

India 82-61 Kazakhstan.

A first win, third place in Group D and another opportunity to keep the FIBA U18 Asia Cup dream alive.