Australia vs Iran: Clash of the Unbeatens in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Semifinals

The stage is set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for one of the most anticipated matchups of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. On Saturday night, two unbeaten powerhouses, Australia’s Boomers and Iran’s Team Melli, will collide in the semifinals. Both teams have survived the rigors of the tournament, each carrying spotless records into this encounter. Yet, by the end of the night, only one will continue to chase the coveted championship.

Australia enters as the dominant force of the competition, displaying ruthless efficiency and overwhelming firepower. Iran, meanwhile, arrives as a resilient underdog, proving that heart, grit, and timely performances can overcome obstacles. This is not just a battle of basketball talent—it’s a story of contrasting journeys, clashing styles, and national pride.

Australia’s Road to the Semifinals

A Team in Total Control

The Australian Boomers have been the most consistent and commanding team in the tournament. Their path to the semifinals has been marked by dominance, precision, and a level of confidence that few opponents could disrupt. Sweeping through Group A with relative ease, they showcased an ability to control tempo, dictate pace, and shut down rival offenses.

When they faced the Philippines in the quarterfinals, Australia wasted no time stamping their authority. With a balanced attack and a defense that suffocated Gilas Pilipinas, the Boomers cruised into the semifinals with an average winning margin of 25.3 points per game. That figure alone underscores their superiority—this is a team that has rarely been pushed to its limits.

Strength in Depth

The Boomers’ success stems from their depth. From Olympian Will Magnay’s inside presence to Xavier Cooks’ versatility and Harry Wessels’ emerging confidence, Australia boasts a frontcourt rotation that is both physical and intelligent. Every player understands their role, making them difficult to contain.

In addition to size, the Boomers rank among the top three teams in scoring, field goal percentage, three-point shooting accuracy, rebounding, and blocks. These numbers paint a picture of a well-rounded powerhouse, capable of winning in multiple ways.

Iran’s Road to the Semifinals

A Story of Resilience

Iran’s campaign has been less straightforward but no less inspiring. Unlike Australia’s dominance, Iran’s victories have come with drama and late-game heroics. Twice in this tournament, Team Melli has rallied from seemingly impossible deficits.

• Against Japan in the Group Phase, they clawed their way back from behind, showing grit under pressure.

• In the Quarterfinals versus Chinese Taipei, Iran pulled off a miraculous comeback from 21 points down, a performance that highlighted their resilience and refusal to quit.

With a younger core and the absence of several veteran icons, Iran has embraced its identity as underdogs. Veteran Arsalan Kazemi himself admitted: “We are the underdogs.” Yet, that label has fueled their hunger, uniting the team around a common cause.

Key Contributors

Iran’s frontcourt has been pivotal, particularly in neutralizing Chinese Taipei’s Brandon Gilbeck in the quarterfinals. But against Australia, the challenge becomes even steeper. Kazemi, Arman Zangeneh, and Salar Monji must battle relentlessly for rebounds and protect the paint against a taller, deeper Boomers lineup.

Meanwhile, the emergence of Mohammad Aghajanpour, Iran’s 24-year-old sharpshooter, has been central to their offensive fortunes. His three-point shooting has been a barometer of success:

• In comeback games against Japan and Chinese Taipei, he shot just 1-of-10 from beyond the arc.

• In Iran’s more comfortable wins, he thrived, knocking down 12-of-21 triples.

His ability to stretch the floor against Australia’s defense could determine whether Iran can keep pace.

Key Matchups to Watch

Australia’s Size vs Iran’s Tenacity

The frontcourt battle will define this semifinal. Australia’s trio of Magnay, Cooks, and Wessels brings size, athleticism, and scoring ability. Iran’s Kazemi, Zangeneh, and Monji may not match up physically, but their toughness and experience will be crucial in limiting second-chance opportunities.

Aghajanpour’s Shooting vs Australia’s Defense

Australia is likely to collapse its defense into the paint, daring Iran’s perimeter players to shoot. This puts enormous pressure on Aghajanpour to deliver. If he finds rhythm early, Iran could stretch the game and open up driving lanes.

Turnovers: A Hidden Factor

While Australia dominates most statistical categories, Iran holds one clear advantage: ball security. Team Melli averages just 9 turnovers per game, the lowest in the tournament. Avoiding mistakes is critical—every turnover risks fueling Australia’s devastating fast-break offense.

Historical Context

Australia and Iran share a competitive history on the international stage. In the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers, Iran stunned Australia with a victory, proving that they can rise to the occasion.

However, their lone FIBA Asia Cup meeting ended in heartbreak for Iran. In the 2017 Final, the Boomers defeated them convincingly, 79–56, to claim the championship. Now, eight years later, Iran has a chance to rewrite history.

For Australia, this semifinal is not only about defending their unbeaten record but also about moving one step closer to a third straight FIBA Asia Cup crown.

What’s at Stake

• For Iran: A chance to reach the Final for the first time since 2017 and prove that their retooled, youthful squad can compete at the highest level.

• For Australia: The opportunity to extend their dominance, keep their perfect FIBA Asia Cup record intact, and edge closer to another championship.

Beyond the scoreboard, this semifinal is about pride, legacy, and momentum heading into the future.

Prediction and Outlook

On paper, Australia’s dominance makes them heavy favorites. Their balanced roster, statistical supremacy, and track record of composure suggest they are primed to advance.

Yet, Iran has already shown they thrive when doubted. Their resilience, defensive toughness, and clutch shooting mean they cannot be dismissed. If Aghajanpour catches fire and Kazemi leads another inspired effort on the boards, the underdogs could turn this into a classic.

Saturday night in Jeddah promises more than just basketball. It is a collision of styles: Australia’s precision and power versus Iran’s grit and heart. Both teams are unbeaten, but only one will survive to fight for the title.

For fans across Asia and beyond, this semifinal offers drama, intensity, and the potential for history to be made. Whether it’s the Boomers marching toward another crown or Iran shocking the continent with an underdog triumph, one thing is certain: this clash will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.