SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The USA advanced to the last four of Billie Jean King Cup after fighting their way past Kazakhstan 2-1 in the quarterfinals here on Thursday, setting up a semifinal clash with Britain.

Jessica Pegula and Taylor Townsend won the doubles decider against Kazakhstan duo Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva 6-2, 7-6(1).

In the earlier two contests, Emma Navarro saved two match points to upset Yulia Putintseva 7-5, 2-6, 7-6(6) to gift the USA the lead, before Elena Rybakina destroyed Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-1 to equalize for Kazakhstan.

"I kind of knew whatever happened in the singles, I'd be in for doubles. I had to shift my mindset really quickly," Pegula said.

"I just took it as a challenge and wanted to redeem myself a little bit out there against her, try and help my team get a win. Even though I wasn't able to do it on the singles court, we had a chance to take it in doubles," the world No.7 added.

The USA now faces a semifinal against Britain, who defeated Japan 2-0 with both matches in straight sets. Sonay Kartal beat Ena Shibahara 6-3, 7-6(4) to set the tone before Katie Boulter eased past Moyuka Uchijima 6-2, 6-1.

"We've got some world-class tennis players. They [the USA] don't know what we are capable of. I think we are all going to have a free swing and get after them," Boulter said.

Ukraine, who beat Spain 2-0 to reach their first Billie Jean King Cup last four on Wednesday, will take on defending champion Italy in the other semifinal. Enditem