AFC Asian Cup: Australia, Jordan, Lebanon and New Zealand in the semi-finals
And Australia is still the Asian Cup holder in the competition to defend its throne after beating Japan in the quarter-finals.
Without hurting Yuta Watanabe, the Japanese gave their all but the Boomers still achieved victory 99-85 to reach the semi-finals. They will fight for a place in the final against New Zealand who beat Korea, 88-78. Australia and New Zealand will meet for their second consecutive semi-final after 2017.
On the other side of the table, Jordan and Lebanon will compete in their first final appearances in over a decade for both teams. Jordan was the first team to qualify for the semi-finals with a massive victory over Iran, 91-76 . This was their first victory over Iran since 2011.
Lebanon also achieved a historic victory of its own, by defeating China for the first time in 12 matches in the Asian Cup, 72-69 . It will be the first time that Lebanon plays in the semi-finals since 2009. Of the remaining four teams, only Australia has won the Asian Cup.
The semi-final matches will be played on Saturday in Jakarta and the champion will be crowned in Astora Senayan on Sunday.
Photography: Samuel McDaniel (Australia, FIBA)
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