Auckland | The Indian women's hockey team booked its place in the semifinals of the FIH Nations Cup after defeating Japan 2-1, with goals from captain Salima Tete and Lalremsiami proving decisive here on Tuesday.

This was India's second win of the tournament, which serves as a qualifying event for next year's FIH Pro League. The victory took their tally to six points, securing a place in the last four.

India opened the scoring in the third quarter, with Salima Tete finding the net in the 33rd minute after the forwards had made several unsuccessful attempts.

Japan responded quickly, drawing level just two minutes later through Ai Hiramitsu.

However, Lalremsiami struck the decisive goal in the 49th minute as India withstood a late Japanese surge to secure the victory.