NEW DELHI Three-time gold medallists Australia had to work hard to beat a spirited Pakistan 1-0 on Saturday to book a place in the hockey semi-finals from Pool A of Commonwealth Games.
In the key match of the day, a replay of the 2006 decider, Pakistan's 22-year-old goalkeeper Imran Shah made some spectacular saves and stopped Australia from scoring off five short corners. He was beaten just once when Chris Ciriello's drag flick rocketed past him off the 33rd minute penalty corner.
The Aussies moved to the top of Pool A with nine points from three wins to set themselves on course for a fourth gold medal on the trot in the Games.
Pakistan could have got the equaliser in the last minute but Mohammad Imran's push from the penalty corner went wide.
“We didn't concede defeat throughout the match and even got a chance in the last minute, but couldn't convert the penalty corner,” Pakistan striker Shakeel Abbasi said.
The world champions have finished on the top of the podium in all the three editions since the sport was introduced in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
Pakistan, who tasted their first defeat of the tournament, will now have to win their match against arch-rivals India on Sunday if they are to make it to the semis.
Australia, the world number one, were tested by the nippy Pakistan forwards throughout the fiercely-fought match played in nearly 40 degrees temperature at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium.
Earlier, James Tindall scored three goals to help England displace New Zealand from the top of Pool B with a 5-3 win.
England lead the group with one pool match to play, but could still miss the semi-finals if they lose to second-place South Africa, with six points, and New Zealand beat Canada.
Tindall scored two field goals in the first half for England's narrow 3-2 lead and completed his hat-trick with a drive from the top of the circle five minutes from full time.
Richard Mantell and Rob Moore struck with penalty corners for England.
“I think it was my first hat-trick as a senior,” Tindall said. “I have scored 49 goals now, and I could have scored another one, but their 'keeper had an amazing save right at the end.”
In the men's two matches, winless Trinidad and Tobago play against Canada, while India have to beat Scotland to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. —Agencies
