Tahlia McGrath hits an unbeaten 78, takes 3 for 13 and completes a run-out in the chase as the 50-over and T20 World Cup holders progress with a 100 per cent record
Edgbaston: Australia 160-2, Pakistan 116-8 - Australia won by 44 runs
Tahlia McGrath produced an inspired display as Australia survived a brief scare to beat Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games at Edgbaston.
The Adelaide Strikers allrounder struck an unbeaten 78 as part of a third-wicket partnership worth 141 with Beth Mooney (70*).
Wickets for Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal had reduced the 50-over and T20 World Cup holders to 19 for 2 but they recovered in a typically dominant fashion.
And that comeback continued into the Pakistan chase of 161 to win, which would have been their highest total to win a women's T20I.
Tahlia McGrath vs Pakistan
Runs: 78*
Strike rate: 152.94
Fours: 10
Sixes: 1
Wickets: 3
Runs conceeded: 13
Economy rate: 4.33
From the moment Megan Schutt had Muneeba Ali (0) caught behind Pakistan looked destined for a third group defeat on the spin.
McGrath then took center stage, running out Aliya Ria (1) after a mix-up before claiming a career-best 3 for 13 with the ball.
Ayesha Naseem (8) was caught well by Alana King, Bismah Maroof's virtual rearguard of 23 off 32 balls was ended when she picked out Jess Jonasson and Tuba Hassan (0) was dismissed the very next ball.
Meg Lanning went to slip for the hat-trick ball, having split a catch to give King three in a row against Barbados, but Diana Baig survived.
Mooney and McGrath took the match away from Pakistan with a century stand (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Fatima Sana arrived to mash an unbeaten 35 from 26 but Pakistan never truly threatened a late recovery, as Australia ran out comfortable winners.
The result sees Australia progress in first position from Group A and will meet the side that finishes second in Group B. England and New Zealand meet on Thursday (August 4) to determine the final positions, having both already qualified.
Top spot also ensures that should rain see Australia's semi-final abandoned they will automatically progress to the final. Reserve days are only in place for the medal matches.
India and Barbados will battle it out for the remaining place in the last four later on Wednesday (August 3). Both have identical records from their first two games, losing to Australia and beating Pakistan to sit on two points.
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