Ankita came out firing on all cylinders to subdue Zhu in the second singles even as India lost the tie later following defeat in the decisive doubles.
The top-ranked Indian in singles at number 253, will tackle world number 55 Zarina Diyas, to whom she had lost way back in 2013.
"We are playing at home and that's an advantage. I have beaten their (Kazakh) top players," said Ankita when asked about tomorrow's clash against the favourties.
The win over Zhu today was Ankita's first in fourth attempts.
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"I am happy with the way I played but could have played better. My movement, court coverage and fitness was good today. I was going for my shots but I could have hit harder, I was holding back sometimes," Ankita said.
"Having matches in India helped. I had my mother and maternal uncle watching and that motivated me and had pumped me up. Fed Cup is different. You have your team, coach by your side on all points. I don't get this benefit on the Tour," she said.
"She is young and was playing Fed Cup for the first time at home. She will play more freely in future," she said.
Meanwhile, India captain Ankita Bhambri rued the lost opportunity to beat China.
"After Ankita's win in second singles, I was very hopeful. I have seen Ankita and Prarthna combing well and play some good doubles matches but the Chinese were very sharp and returned everything. We lost a few early games. They were pretty strong," Bhambri said.
Talking about Karman, Bhambri said, "Today was not her day. She did not play according to our expectations. She was displaced. She was trying too much."
Karman will play with Yuliya Putintseva, who is now ranked 81 but was in top-50 very recently. Putintseva had reached the second round at the Australian Open last month and had ended runner-up at the WTA Premier event in St Petersburg last year.