India notched up their first win in the four-nation junior hockey tournament in Lahore when they beat Japan 2-1 on Thursday to set up a semi-final against South Africa.
Birendra Lakra opened the account for India in the 21st minute while Hari Prasad doubled the lead in the 34th minute.
Japan pulled one back through Kiwi Kawa Kami in the 43rd minute.
In their first match of the tournament, India drew 4-4 against South Africa, and then suffered a 0-3 defeat against Pakistan on Tuesday.
In the other match of the day, Pakistan maintained its unbeaten run in the competition when they trounced South Africa 4-1 with all their goals coming in the first half.
Shakeel Abbasi (14th min), Imran Warsi (17th, 25th) and Ishtiaque Mohammad (33rd) were the goal scorers for the home team while South Africa's lone goal was scored by Pierre Geldenhuya in the 51st minute.
Pakistan will meet Japan in the other semi-final.