DHAKA: India hammered Bangladesh 7-0 to become the first team to qualify for the Round Robin of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh on Friday.
In another Group A match, Japan placed themselves in deep trouble when they played to a 2-2 draw against Pakistan.
The draw made it difficult for Japan to reach the Round Robin and challenge for a World Cup berth.
Now, Japan must beat Bangladesh by a healthy margin in their last Group match on Sunday and hope India beats Pakistan to make the second round.
Arslan Qadir (16th) and Umar Bhutta (50th) scored for Pakistan, while Kenta Tanaka (22nd) and Heita Yoshihara (29th) delivered for Japan.
RESULTS: Group A: Pakistan 2, Japan 2; India 7, Bangladesh 0.