New Delhi:
Defending champions Australia stormed into the Commonwealth Games men's hockey semi-final with a 1-0 victory against a spirited Pakistan on Saturday.
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.
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.
The Aussies owed their win to full-back Chris Ciriello who converted a penalty corner three minutes from half-time for a 1-0 lead.
Pakistan, who lost the final to Australia by the same margin in 2006 Melbourne Games, struggled hard for the equaliser but were unlucky to miss a few close chances.
They forced a penalty corner in the final 70th minute but full-back Muhammad Imran botched the golden chance.