https://arab.news/zzr87
- China, the most decorated in tournament history, last won the title in 2015
- Australia has never lost a game since joining the FIBA Asia Cup in 2017
JEDDAH: All eyes are on Al-Jawhara Arena in Jeddah on Sunday for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 final between powerhouses China and Australia. The 31st edition of the tournament is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m.
The game is expected to be an exciting and competitive encounter for both teams, who have met only once before at the FIBA Asia Cup. That was in the 2017 quarterfinals, where Australia won convincingly, 97-71.
This year the 16-time champions China reached the final after beating New Zealand 98-84 in Saturday’s semifinal, moving within one victory of retaking the event title for the first time in 10 years.
China’s performance in Jeddah has been defined by consistency and composure, sweeping Group C before grinding past South Korea in the quarterfinals and then overpowering New Zealand.
For their part, defending champions Australia comfortably beat Iran 92-48 in the second semifinal and extended their unbeaten run to five games.
Since joining the FIBA Asia Cup in 2017, Australia have not lost a game. They bring a flawless 17-0 competition record into this final.
The Boomers dominated Group A, dispatched the Philippines in the quarterfinals and handled Iran in the semifinals without breaking stride.
Coach Adam Caporn’s team now stands one win away from a third straight Asia Cup title.
The two losing semifinalists. New Zealand and Iran. Face off on Sunday afternoon for third place. This will be the first FIBA Asia Cup meeting between the two countries.
For Iran, this is about restoring pride and returning to the podium after a generation of dominance earlier in the 21st century.
For New Zealand, it is about maintaining their place among the region’s elite and proving they can keep their spot on the podium.