India Storm into FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B Semi-finals with Win Over Indonesia
Four players scored in double figures as the Indian team stunned their higher-ranked opponents to finish the group stage unbeaten.
Thailand, July 15, 2026: India produced one of their most impressive performances of the tournament at the Nimibutr Stadium in Thailand, defeating higher-ranked Indonesia 79-46 to finish unbeaten in the group stage and secure direct qualification to the semifinals of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B.
After crushing Oman and Thailand in their opening two games, India saved their best display for last, outscoring Indonesia in every quarter on the way to a commanding 33-point victory.
Early Control
After going 0-9 in the opening minutes, Indonesia attempted to fight back, but India closed the first quarter with a 22-18 advantage before tightening the screws defensively.
Any hopes of an Indonesian comeback disappeared after the break. India produced an explosive third and fourth quarter outscoring Indonesia 46-20 to seal the comprehensive victory.
Balanced Scoring
India had four players score in double figures in a complete team performance.
Viha Reddy Jonnalagadda led the scoring with 15 points while also pulling down eight rebounds and converting 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Mahek Sharma was outstanding, matching Viha’s 15 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds.
Taarushee Tarun added 14 points, while Vaishnavi Prashant Pardeshi flirted with a double-double, contributing 11 points and a game-high nine assists to orchestrate India’s offence.
India showcased excellent ball movement throughout the contest, finishing with 25 assists on 32 made field goals. The team also controlled the glass with a 50-20 rebounding advantage, including 13 offensive rebounds that created numerous second-chance opportunities.
Defensively, India forced difficult shots throughout the game while limiting Indonesia to just 46 points, including only 20 points in the second half.
Straight into the Semifinals
The victory ensures the Indian girls finish as Group A winners, earning direct passage to the semifinals and avoiding the qualification crossover round.
Having returned to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup after missing the 2024 Division B edition, the team has now completed a perfect group-stage campaign and moved one step closer to earning promotion back to Division A.
India ( Viha Reddy 15pts & 8reb, Mahek Sharma 15pts & 7reb, Vaishnavi Pardeshi 11pts & 9ast & 4reb) bt Indonesia (Ariqa Shafa Chayyara 9pts & 6reb, Joanne Giovanni 10pts, I Gusti Ayu Krisabella 5pts) 79-46 [22-18, 11-8, 19-9, 27-11]
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