India thrash Japan 4–1 for third straight ACT win, book semi-final spot
Abhishek struck twice on his 150th cap as India sealed a semi-final berth with a game to spare; Malaysia await on Nov 1.
Abhishek marked his 150th international appearance in style with goals in the 11th and 51st minutes, while captain Harmanpreet Singh (47') and Vishnu Kant Singh (56') completed the scoring. Japan's lone reply never threatened India's control of the contest.
The win sealed India's place in the semi-finals with a game to spare and kept them top of the table — a third straight victory in a campaign that has grown more convincing with each outing.
India face Malaysia on November 1, a final group game that doubles as a semi-final rehearsal. With the defence holding firm and the forwards firing, the hosts look every bit the team to beat in Jalandhar.
