Gritty Australia see off Pakistan, to meet India in semis

Australia beat Pakistan by six wickets to advance into the World Cup semis, where they meet India.

Pakistan took on Australia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Friday. The Asian Giants won the toss and elected to bat first. (Source: AP)

After losing Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfaraz Ahmed, the responsibility fell on the shoulders of captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Haris Sohail to rebuild the innings. (Source: Reuters)

Misbah and Haris did all the hardwork but threw their wickets away. Australia continued to pick wickets at regular intervals and took control. At one stage, stood on the precipice of defeat with a score of 124/5. (Source: Reuters)

The middle order tried to set up for a good finish but despite getting good starts, the failure to convert led to a not-so-intimidating total of 213. (Source: AP)

In reply, Australia lost the wicket of Aaron Finch relatively early on. (Source: AP)

The co-hosts, however, seemed relatively comfortable as they moved toward the target losing David Warner along the way. (Source: AP)

Steven Smith and Shane Watson steadied the ship after early opener's loss and moved the Aussies one step closer to the semi-finals. (Source: AP)

Smith, however, couldn't carry on and was out for 65. His partner Watson, after weathering the Wahab Riaz storm, dropped anchor and played a gritty knock (Source: AP)

Watson, along with Maxwell. stitched a brisk little partnership to chase down the target in 33.5 overs with 6 wickets to spare. Australia will now face India in the semi-finals of the World Cup on the 26th. (Source: AP)