XI'AN, China, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Baihelamu Abuduwaili and Wang Yudong scored a hat-trick each as China romped to a 10-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands in their AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifier here on Saturday.

The lowest ranked side in the Asian Cup qualifiers, the Northern Mariana Islands set out their stall to defend and proved difficult for China to break down in the first half. After squandering several chances, Baihelamu finally broke the deadlock with a follow-up, giving China a 1-0 lead at halftime.

China introduced Wang Yudong and Yang Xi in the second half, and Li Xinxiang quickly doubled the advantage with a close-range header. Two minutes later, Zhu Pengyu added his name to the scoresheet.

Wang converted a penalty in the 67th minute to make it 4-0, before the 18-year-old struck again just three minutes later. Two more goals followed in quick succession as Kuai Jiwen netted in the 74th minute, and Baihelamu scored his second a minute later.

Baihelamu completed his hat-trick in the 84th minute, with Zhu adding his second just two minutes later. Wang rounded off the rout with a powerful long-range strike before the final whistle.

"I helped my players regain their confidence at halftime. I also adjusted our formation and asked them to stay closer to the opponent's goal. I am satisfied with those decisions," said China head coach Antonio Puche Vicente.

In Group D's other game on Saturday, Australia smashed Timor-Leste 6-0, taking the lead ahead of China on goal difference, with both teams level on six points after two games. The two sides will face each other in the final group match next Tuesday.

Looking ahead to the crucial clash with Australia, Puche told Xinhua he wanted his players to enjoy the big win first.

"When we face such a strong opponent, I have the experience to guide the team. I'm confident we can make it a tough game for them," the Spaniard said.

Along with host nation Saudi Arabia, the 11 group winners and four best runners-up will secure their spots at the finals. Enditem