TAUNTON, Britain, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Australia continued with their solid early Cricket World Cup form with a convincing 41 run win over Pakistan here today.
A first innings total of 301 was too much for Pakistan to chase as David Warner made an accomplished 107 off 111 balls in an opening partnership stand of 146 with captain Aaron Finch supporting with an assured 82 off 84.
Not for the first time this tournament captain Finch was praised for his astute captaincy, with former England captain Michael Vaughan praising him as the captain of the tournament so far.
"I think he maneuvered his team against the West Indies well to win that game. And just over the last hour (against Pakistan), when it started to get a little bit panicky for Australia, he maneuvered his bowling attack, knowing that he had to get these overs of spin [in]." England's former captain told reporters.
Consistent, regular wicket taking from the Australian bowling attack neutered any hopes Pakistan had to reach the Australian total despite promising starts for opener Imam ul-Haq and middle order batsmen, Mohammed Hafeez and Sarfraz Ahmed.
Australia now move on to Sri Lanka in their next group stage match, while Pakistan travel up north to Old Trafford for the mouthwatering clash with India on Sunday June 16.