The South Asian Basketball Association (SABA) Women’s Championship 2025 has been a fun competition that showcases the rising quality of basketball in the region. The Indian women’s basketball team has been a powerful force in the competition thanks to their talent, teamwork, and overwhelming dominance on the court.
India vs. Maldives: An Outright Victory
On February 25, 2025, India defeated the Maldives 113-25 in the championship’s second game. This resounding win further cemented India’s position as one of the tournament’s best teams.
Significant Performances
Sreekala Rani: the captain, is a skilled forward who led by example by controlling the game’s pace and contributing significantly on both the offensive and defensive ends.
Dharshini Thirunavukkarasu: the vice captain, showed off her versatility by playing superb ball distribution, defense, and three-point shooting.
Ritika Verma :The young shooting guard left an impact with 26 points, many of which were fantastic three-pointers.
Sana Sheikh: was a crucial player in the paint who scored 18 points and dominated rebounds, overwhelming the Maldives’ defence.
Breakdown of the Match
India jumped up to a 32–6 lead in the first quarter, swiftly establishing its dominance. Their pressing defense caused many turnovers, which led to fast-break points.
Second Quarter: As the attack continued, India’s lead grew to 58-11 at the break. While attempting to halt India’s full-court assault, the Maldives made costly errors.
Third Quarter: By the third quarter, India had an unbeatable 85-18 advantage thanks to their exceptional three-point shooting and synchronization.
Fourth Quarter: India finished the game in stunning manner, scoring over 100 points in the final minutes to win 113–25.
India’s Strategy and Tactical Advantage
Fast-paced football, effective ball movement, and a strong defense all contributed to India’s resounding victory. The team followed a systematic plan:
Full-court press defense: creating easy scoring opportunities and obstructing the Maldives’ offensive play.Making the most of errors and using them as opportunities for fast-breaks is called “quick transition.”The ability to stretch the defense by making many shots from beyond the arc is known as three-point efficiency.
Strong Rebounding: Preserving board dominance on both ends and denying the Maldives another opportunity.
India’s Path to the Championship
India is currently undefeated in the SABA Championship and has increased their chances of winning with this resounding victory. In their upcoming matches against stronger opponents like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, their resilience and consistency will be tested. The Indian team’s coach, Ravi Kumar, praised the players’ dedication and hard work, saying, “We came into this championship well-prepared.” Our goal is to win every game, and the team is following the plan to the letter. With a young, talented team, I believe we can win.
The Evolution of Women’s Basketball in India
India’s performance in the SABA Championship shows how popular women’s basketball has become in the nation. Thanks to initiatives like the Indian National Basketball League (INBL) and increasing support for grassroots development, Indian women’s basketball has a promising future.
Final thoughts
India’s 113–25 victory over the Maldives is not just a win, it is a statement of intent. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Indian team to see if they can maintain their peak performance and take home the SABA Women’s Championship 2025 trophy.
In the SABA Championship 2025, the Indian women’s basketball team defeated the Maldives 113-25, demonstrating talent, teamwork, and a strong will to win the title.
