ADELAIDE (AFP) - Australia overcame a fiery spell from fast bowler Wahab Riaz to record an entertaining six-wicket win over Pakistan in the World Cup quarter-final at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

The co-hosts, chasing Pakistan's modest 213 all out, were reduced to 59 for three in the 11th over before Steve Smith (65) and Shane Watson (64 not out) swung the match around with a fourth-wicket stand of 89.

Glenn Maxwell smashed an unbeaten 44 as Australia recovered to coast home in the 34th over in front of a full house of nearly 47,000 spectators.

The win set up an enticing semi-final clash against defending champions India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.