Australia underlined their status as Women's Cricket World Cup favourites Tuesday with a convincing seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Mount Maunganui.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In-form opening batter Alyssa Healy led the way for the six-time champions with 72 off 79 balls, supported by 35 from skipper Meg Lanning and 34 from Rachel Haynes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof scored 78 as her team made 190-6 after losing the toss and being put into bat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite a much-improved performance on their first-round loss to India, Pakistan paid the price for a sluggish run rate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Allrounder Aliya Riaz made a creditable 53 but it came off 109 balls, while Australia's top order scored at almost a run a ball.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result puts Australia top of the tournament's eight-team leaderboard but leaves Pakistan bottom with a struggle to make the final four after two losses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Everyone's in really good form, we all got starts and I guess we're all feeling in good nick," Lanning said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Pakistan did extremely well and made it hard for us to take wickets so we were disciplined and kept that run rate in check."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan's total never looked enough against Australia's formidable big hitters, who overhauled the target with 15.2 overs to spare, finishing on 193-3.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Maroof said Pakistan were unable to exert pressure in the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We could have stopped them, they gave us chances but we didn't capitalise," she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"In fielding we could have done much better."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defeat left Pakistan without a win against Australia in 13 ODI matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n