Asia Cup 2022: Goals galore as India thrash Indonesia 16-0 in Pool A match to enter Super Fours

Defending champions Team India had their task cut out when the Asian giants squared off against Indonesia in the Pool A encounter of the Asia Cup 2022 on Wednesday. After sharing spoils with arch-rivals Pakistan and suffering a devastating defeat at the hands of Japan, the reigning champions were tasked to register a massive win over Indonesia to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Making the ‘next to impossible’ task a reality on Thursday, Sardar Singh's young Indian side hammered Indonesia 16-0 in their final Pool A match of the ongoing Asia Cup. With the monumental win over Indonesia, Team India has secured their berth for the Super Fours stage of the elite tournament. The stunning win over Indonesia has paved the way for India to finish ahead of bitter-rivals Pakistan on the Pool A points table. India have entered the Super Four stage of the competition with title contenders Japan.

Traditional rivals India and Pakistan have finished on four points each in Pool A. Though India finished behind Japan, the holders have joined group-leaders in the Super Fours on the basis of a better goal difference. For the unversed, India had to win the match against Indonesia with a margin of 15-0 or more to secure their qualification.

While India's Dipsan Tirkey scored five, Sudev Belimagga recorded a memorable hat-trick as the defending champions crushed Indonesia 16-0 at Jakarta. SV Sunil, Pawan Rajbhar and Karthi Selvam netted a brace for India. Uttam Singh and Nilam Sanjeep Xess also extended India's goal tally by scoring crucial goals. Earlier, Japan outclassed Pakistan 3-2 to secure the top spot in Pool A. The Singh-coached Team India side was looking at exit door after Japan defeated the defending champions 5-2 in their group A league match on Tuesday. India were earlier placed third in Pool A behind Japan (6 points) and Pakistan (4 points).