Australia beat Pak in women's World Cup

Sydney, Mar 16: Having lost their last match to India by 16 runs, a vengeful Australian women's cricket team today pummeled Pakistan into submission by 108 runs.

Needing a victory to maintain their slim hopes of making next Sunday's final, Australia finished on 6-229 and made their best start of the tournament after winning the toss.

Openers Shelley Nitschke (56 off 64) and Leah Poulton (47 off 86) compiled the host nation's first century partnership of the tournament, adding exactly 100 in 20.3 overs.

Both were bowled by medium pacer Sana Mir (2-35), who was also instrumental in the run-out of Australia's stand-in skipper Alex Blackwell.

Lauren Ebsary (51 off 73) and Jodie Fields (36 off 41) combined for a 69-run fourth-wicket partnership in just under 14 overs.

Australia's cause was assisted by four dropped catches and a missed stumping.

Ebsary was the beneficiary of two dropped return catches.

It was the highest score by a team batting first in the four matches at the venue, but Australia were only able to hit 11 fours on a sluggish outfield.

In reply, Pakistan could only muster 122 runs. Asmavia Iqbal top scored for the side with 36 runs, while Bismah Maroof scored 24. For Australia, R M Farrell and E A Perry and L.J.Poulton claimed two wickets.

Australia's S Nitschke was declared the player of the match.

ANI