World number 13 Lakshya Sen started the proceedings well for India as he beat world number 17 Lee Cheuk Yiu 21-19, 21-10 in Malaysia.

However, Hong Kong managed give an instant response when doubles pair Law Cheuk Him and Lee Chun Hei Reginald bagged a thrilling 20-22, 21-15, 21-18 win over Manjit Singh Khwairakpam and Dingku Singh Konthoujam.

Hong Kong managed to build on the momentum as Chan Yin Chak edged past Kiran George 13-21, 21-17, 9-21.

Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi Kumar swung the tie back in India’s favour as the duo got the better of Chow Hin Long and Lui Chun Wai 21-17, 21-16.  

The decider turned out be a nail-biter as Mithun Manjunath saw off Jason Gunawan 21-14, 17-21, 21-11 to seal the tie.

The Indian men’s team can qualify for the semi-finals with an outright win over Indonesia, provided South Korea lose to Hong Kong.

If both teams win on Friday, the team with more individual match wins will go ahead.

In Group B, Japan went down to Singapore 2-3 while Malaysia eased past Kazakhstan 5-0.

Among women, Indonesia beat South Korea 3-2 to win Group Z and qualified for the semi-finals.

Gregoria Mariska Tunjung opened with a 21-6, 21-18 victory over Sim Yu-jin to give Indonesia the lead.

However, South Korea pulled one back as Baek Ha-na and Seong Seung-yeon, via a score of 20-22, 19-21, got the better of Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi.

South Korea looked like they found some rhythm as Lee Se-yeon beat Putri Kusuma Wardani 16-21, 19 -21 in the second singles match to turn the tie in their favour.

But their joy did not last for long as Nita Violina Marwah and Lanny Tria Mayasari managed to equalise as they overcame the challenge from Kim Min-ji and Lee Seo-jin to win 21-16, 22-20.

In the decider, Stephanie Widjaja posted a convincing 21-11, 21-13 win over Kim Joo-eun in 35 minutes to finish the tie.

In the other Group Z match, Hong Kong managed to thrash Kazakhstan 5-0.