ICC Women's World Cup: Australia too strong for Pakistan

Defending champions Australia held onto their slim hopes of reaching the ICC Women's World Cup final after recording a 107-run victory over Pakistan in today's must-win encounter at Bankstown Oval in Sydney.

Half-centuries from Shelley Nitschke (56 off 64 balls) and Lauren Ebsary (51 off 71), plus 47 from Leah Poulton, saw Australia post 229 for six from their 50 overs.

Pakistan were then dismissed for just 122 with 29 balls to spare.

Australia must now win their remaining Super Sixes encounter with England at North Sydney Oval on Thursday to have any hopes of reaching Sunday's showpiece, but will still need other results to fall in their favour.

"It's always good to win at a World Cup, every game's a tough one and it's good to see all of the nations really pushing each other," said stand-in captain Alex Blackwell

"We've had a pretty tough run but we're really pleased with the win today."

While Blackwell concedes there is still a mountain to climb in order reach the final, she warned unbeaten England to prepare for a tough encounter.

"We're a team that's more than capable of beating England and we're very confident that we can do that," she said.

After winning the toss, Australia took advantage of their decision to bat as Jodie Fields also contributed a quickfire 36 off 41 balls to set Pakistan an imposing total, with their best a 161 against Sri Lanka.

The Pakistan openers set a good early pace but after the departures of Nain Abidi (27), Bismah Maroof (13) and Asmavia Iqbal (36) with the score 80 for four midway through the innings, only captain Urooj Mumtaz (14 not out) and Javeria Khan (16) reached double figures.

Rene Farrell (two for 23), Ellyse Perry (two for 16) and Poulton (two for nine) topped Australia's bowling figures.