Nepal beat Maldives in the fourth match of the SABA Championship on Saturday night.

Nepal, who was trailing 10 points behind at one point, took the game with a score of 61 points to 59.

While the first quarter ended in a 16-16 draw, Maldives came out strong in the second quarter, taking the lead, with the second quarter ending with 36 points to 29.

However, Nepal changed up its defence in the third quarter, and strengthened their offence, scoring point after point to equalize the game. The quarter ended with a 49-49 draw.

The fourth quarter of the match was intense, and Nepal was unable to get a comfortable lead, as the Maldives team kept giving them a good fight.

Despite the numerous opportunities, the Maldives team failed to equalize the game, and take back the lead.

Speaking after the match, assistant coach of the national basketball team, Ilyas ‘Ille’ Ibrahim said that he believes that the team was unable to give their 100 percent after their game with India the previous night. India is the strongest team in the tournament. 

Captain Mohamed Zilaal said that they were “unlucky” and assured that they will work ‘even harder’ to make the Maldivians proud.

Best player of the match was awarded by the match’s chief guest, President of the National Sports Council Ibrahim Ismail, to Nepal’s jersey number 12, Amrish Shrestha.

Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in the match played on Saturday evening, with a score of 90 points to 80 points. With Saturday’s win, Bangladesh have now won two of their matches in the SABA Championship 2017.

Best player of the match was awarded to Bangladesh’s jersey number 12, Mithun Kumar Biswas.

Five nations are competing in this year's SABA Championship; India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives. This is the first time that an international basketball tournament is being held in the Maldives.