Palestine hoping to qualify for 2021 Asia Cup Iraq also make emotional return to Baghdad after lengthy absense LONDON: Palestine will host the first FIBA Asia Cup basketball qualifying game to take place in the country on Monday as they bid to reach the tournament proper taking place next year. The match against Sri Lanka, being held at the Arab American University, will be the second match for Palestine in Group F. In their first game against Kazakhstan, they narrowly lost to the home side during a tight affair in Nur-Sultan. Palestine star Sani Sakakini scored 44 points in the game, the most by any player in the Asia Cup Qualifiers so far. He has been inviting and urging fans to support the team at the Arab American University on game day. Another milestone game will be taking place in Baghdad as Iraq return to play a game on their home court after a lengthy absence due to security concerns in the country. The Iraqis, who played at various venues during the qualifying phase of the 2019 World Cup, will host India at the Al-Shaeb Hall in the capital. Like Palestine, Iraq lost their opening Group D game against Lebanon in a one-sided affair in Beirut with the hosts running out 87-68 winners.