Defenders of the title India advanced to the knockout stage of the Asia Cup men’s hockey tournament by defeating Indonesia 16-0 on Thursday.

Pakistan is eliminated from the competition as a result of the win. Six goals were scored in the first two quarters before India rallied to score 10 more goals in the following two quarters.

Dipsan Tirkey was the standout of the game, scoring five goals. Sudev added a hat-trick to his tally. India put up a strong performance, with 43 circle penetrations and 80 percent possession.

Earlier in the day, Japan overcame Pakistan 3-2 in an Asia Cup third-round match. Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea, in addition to India, qualified for the Super 4 stage.

Prior to this encounter, India had a goal difference of -3. Under the leadership of Sardar Singh, India fielded a young team in the event, with a few seniors like Birendra Lakra and SV Sunil. The senior tandem, on the other hand, appeared to be well past their prime in their performances thus far.

In their tournament opener, India drew 1-1 with Pakistan thanks to a last-minute goal before being humiliated 2-5 by Japan.

Malaysia, on the other hand, advanced to the Asia Cup Super 4s as the table-toppers from Pool B after an 8-1 triumph over Bangladesh in their final preliminary league encounter. South Korea trounced Oman 5-1 to clinch second in Pool B and keep their World Cup hopes alive.