Gold at last: How the Opals triumphed at the Women’s Asia Cup

A look back at Australia's historic win, and what it means for the team’s future.

Photo credit: FIBA

Australia’s 88-79 win over Japan in the final meant the Opals clinched the title, got the better of an opponent that has long been a thorn in their side (twice!) and secured an automatic entry to the 2026 World Cup in Germany next September.

The team was predictably dominant in the early group games, sharing around the minutes and demolishing Philippines 115-39, then easily accounting for Lebanon, 113-34. In the final group game against Japan, the Opals showed great resilience to ride out a long-range shooting slump (they were 3/15 from three-point range during the third quarter) and fight their way back into a game that they trailed by 11 points at one stage. Eventually, Australia’s disciplined and dogged defence turned the tide, and the Opals went on a run with a group of Reid, Woods, Borlase, Fowler and Aukoso on the floor, finishing the stronger and winning 79-67.