Their women’s team were making their first appearance of the tournament, with New Zealand having thrashed Papua New Guinea yesterday.

Australia proved equally untroubled by Papua New Guinea, cruising to a comfortable 23-0 win in front of their home crowd.

The result guarantees Australia will meet New Zealand in the gold medal match on Sunday (October 15), with both countries scheduled to play tomorrow to round off the group stage.

With Papua New Guinea ruled out of contention, Ireland have been awarded a place at the 2018 Hockey Women's World Cup in London.

Under International Hockey Federation rules the continental champion would advance to the tournament but with Australia and New Zealand having already qualified, the place was awarded to Ireland following their seventh place at the Hockey World League semi-final.

Australia also progressed comfortable to the men’s final in Sydney, following up an opening day thrashing of Papua New Guinea by defeating New Zealand.

Jeremy Hayward scored twice as Australia secured a 5-1 victory.

New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will go head-to-head tomorrow to see which team joins Australia in the final.

The Asia Hockey Cup saw Malaysia and South Korea record comfortable victories in their opening Group B matches in Dhaka.

Malaysia emerged as 7-1 winner over China in the first match of the day, with Faizal Saari scoring a hat-trick.

The South Korean team were then able to cruise to a 7-2 triumph against Oman at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium.

Group A action is due to resume tomorrow when Pakistan will look to build on their opening day, facing Japan. 

Bangladesh will hope to secure their first win in front of a home crowd when they face India.