NEW DELHI: Defending champions India secured their place in the semifinals of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy with an unbeaten record, defeating Japan 3-0 on Sunday.
Star striker Deepika continued her impressive form, scoring a brace from penalty corners in the final quarter to seal the victory, following vice-captain Navneet Kaur's opener in the 37th minute.
India topped the league stage with a maximum of 15 points from five matches, ahead of Olympic silver medalists China (12 points). They will face fourth-placed Japan in the semifinal on Tuesday, while China will take on third-placed Malaysia in the other last-four game.
Deepika, the tournament's leading scorer, has now scored 10 goals, including four field goals, five penalty corners, and one penalty stroke, showcasing her dominance.
In the day's other matches, Malaysia defeated Thailand 2-0, and China secured a 2-0 victory over South Korea.
The Indians created several scoring opportunities in the first half, earning multiple penalty corners, but Japanese goalkeeper Yu Kudo made brilliant saves to deny them. India's persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Navneet Kaur scored with a reverse hit.
Deepika's brilliance shone in the final quarter as she converted two penalty corners with powerful dragflicks, effectively sealing the match for India.
The Indian defence, led by Udita and Sushila Chanu, did not allow Japan a single shot on goal, while the midfield trio of Salima Tete, Neha, and Sharmila Devi created numerous chances with their runs and dribbling skills.
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