Iran vs New Zealand

New Zealand's ability to generate extra possessions on the offensive glass proved decisive. The Tall Blacks entered the contest averaging a Qualifiers-best 20.8 second-chance points per game, and their work on the offensive boards against Iran's typically stingy interior defence created the margin of victory. A late run — likely spearheaded by Jack Andrew (averaging 20.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in the Qualifiers) and Mennenga — gave New Zealand enough breathing room to survive Iran's response.

Sam Mennenga (New Zealand) — The forward entered having scored in double figures in every Qualifiers game (including 27 against Guam in his most recent outing) and delivered again. His interior scoring and rebounding (9.0 RPG tournament average) were central to New Zealand's game plan.

Arsalan Kazemi (Iran) — The veteran forward remains Iran's engine. His ability to contribute across the stat sheet — scoring, rebounding, creating for others — kept Iran competitive throughout.

Jack Andrew (New Zealand) — The Tall Blacks' leading scorer in the Qualifiers at 20.0 PPG and 9.0 RPG, Andrew's two-way presence in the paint gave New Zealand a physical edge.

Player of the Match: Not officially confirmed at time of writing.

New Zealand entered averaging 93.2 points per game across the Qualifiers — and hit 93 right on the button against the best defensive team in Group E. Iran, conversely, had been averaging just 75.3 points per game but exploded for 91, well above their tournament norm. This suggests Iran's offence clicked at a level they had not reached in the First Round, but New Zealand's league-leading scoring depth (four players averaging double figures: Andrew 20.0, Mennenga 17.0, Te Rangi 14.0, Ili 11.0) gave them just enough firepower to outlast Team Melli.

New Zealand improve to 5-2 in Group E, while Iran drop to 5-2 as well but slip behind on head-to-head. Australia remain the group's only undefeated side at 6-0 after their game against Syria later on Friday. The top three finishers in Group E will qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.

Next fixtures:

• Iran vs Philippines — Sunday, 30 August 2026 at Mall of Asia Arena (12:00 local time)
• New Zealand vs Syria — Sunday, 30 August 2026 at Mall of Asia Arena (06:00 local time)

Both games are critical: Iran face a Philippines side reeling from four consecutive Qualifiers losses but boosted by the return of Kai Sotto, while New Zealand take on a Syria team that has lost all six of its previous Second Round games in World Cup Qualifiers.

This was the closest game of the Second Round's opening day — a two-point thriller that lived up to the rivalry born in last year's Asia Cup bronze-medal match. New Zealand's second-chance offence proved the difference, but Iran showed they can score at a level well above their First-Round averages, which will worry Group E rivals. The Tall Blacks now hold the head-to-head edge; these two meet again in February 2027.