In the first singles match, Uzbekistan’s Sabina Sharipova easily overcame Poojashree Venkatesh from India – 6/1and 6/2.

Former top 30 player Sania Mirza then levelled the scores between the teams by defeating Nigina Abduraimova – 6/4 and 6/1.

In the decisive doubles, Abduraimova partnered Albina Khabibulina for Uzbekistan. They lost the first set before storming back to beat Mirza and Rushmi Chakravarthi – 2/6, 6/3 and 6/3.

"Today, I knew that we would be forced to play all three rubbers because Mirza is a very good player in singles,” said Uzbekistan captain Dmitriy Tomashevich. “We played a good doubles match but it was tough for us. Tomorrow we have to play China and that’s another tough match for us but we will still try our best.”

China plays Uzbekistan today knowing that victory will leave them top of Pool A, while Thailand has all to play for against India.