India are through to the Uber Cup semi-finals courtesy of an astonishing win for teenager Ruthvika Shivani against her Thai opponent, ranked 94 places above her.

Shivani, just 19, won a vital third singles against Nitchaon Jindapol, which meant that India’s 2-1 lead was protected and that they did not have to play a difficult second doubles against the scratch combination of PV Sindhu and Sikki Reddy.

Shivani showed admirable composure, staying consistent in the rallies and forcing Nitchaon into errors as she completed a 21-18 21-16 victory to help India repeat their semi-final performance from the last Uber Cup.

“I don’t know how I did it,” said Shivani. “This morning my coach told me to relax, that there was nothing to lose and no pressure on me.”