With top singles shuttlers Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong and Leong Jun Hao as well as men’s pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik rested, the youngsters lived up to the occasion by trouncing Kazakhstan.

Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, 22, got the ball rolling at the Setia City Convention Centre, defeating 29-year-old Artur Niyazov 21-11, 21-12.

Another youngster, Lim Chong King doubled the score by beating Khaitmurat Kulmatov 21-11, 21-11, while the youngest member in the team, Jacky Kok, 20, confirmed the winning point by thrashing Makhsut Tajibullayev 21-8, 21-4.

The remaining doubles matches were like a stroll in the park, as Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun won against Jangir Ibrayey-Ilya Lysenko 21-5, 21-5 in just 17 minutes, while Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani defeated Andrey Shalagin-Tajibullayey 21-8, 21-4 in 15 minutes.

Aidil, who played his first team event match, hopes to improve his strategy and mental strength in the coming matches.

“I was not too comfortable in the early stage maybe because of nervousness, but after 11 points I found the momentum to play better,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jacky said he was taking the chance to learn how to handle pressure on court and benefit from the experience of the seniors.

“I’m motivated to always give my best and work harder to fulfil my mission in any tournament,” he said, adding that he hopes to make his Thomas Cup debut this year.

In another Group B fixture, Singapore overcame Japan 3-2.

Malaysia and Japan will face off tomorrow, while Singapore will take on Kazakhstan to decide the group winners and another spot for the semifinals.

The national women’s team had also cruised into the semifinals after winning 3-2 against defending champions Japan on Tuesday and India yesterday.

The semifinal draw is expected to be held tomorrow night.

The top four teams at BATC will automatically qualify for the Thomas and Uber Cup finals in Bangkok in May.