The Australians recorded an emphatic 10-2 success over the US, who had made the final in all seven editions of the biennial event, to secure their spot in the next phase of the tournament, organised by the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

The defeat for the American team, coupled with Chinese Taipei beating Hong Kong 13-3 in the other match in Group C, saw them suffer a shock exit from the event in South Korea.

Their elimination came by virtue of run differential, meaning they missed out on one of the two available spots in the super round from the group, with Chinese Taipei and Australia progressing.

There was also a surprise defeat for the previously unbeaten host nation as they were on the receiving end of a 12-1 hammering by Venezuela, who ensured they finished their Group A campaign with a 100 per cent record.

The South Korean side had already guaranteed themselves a super round berth by virtue of winning their opening two games but will still be concerned at the manner of the defeat to the South American team.

In the other match in Group A, tournament debutantes Pakistan were given a lesson by Cuba, whose 15-0 triumph was their first success of the competition.

It was not enough to qualify for the super round, however, as they finished third in the four team group.

Tournament favourites and defending champions Japan maintained their superb winning streak as they cruised to an 18-0 win over India in Group B.

The Japanese side, winners of the last four titles, have not suffered defeat at the competition since they were beaten 5-2 by the United States in an opening round contest in Edmonton in 2012.

They will be joined in the super round, due to get underway on Wednesday (September 7), by Canada, who beat The Netherlands 7-1.