Australia captain Michael Clarke has paid credit to Pakistan after his side edged to victory in their World Cup quarter-final.

The hosts bowled Pakistan all out for 213, but they went three wickets down inside 10 overs, losing big-hitters David Warner and Clarke.

However, Steven Smith (65), Shane Watson (64 not out) and Glenn Maxwell (44 not out) contributed to get the Aussies over the line.

"I am extremely happy," BBC Sport quotes Clarke as saying. "It was a close game in the end our bowlers did a great job and we were strong in the field.

"Credit to Pakistan, and [Wahab] Riaz in particular, for the way they bowled. It was the fastest spell I've seen in a long time. You are under pressure the whole time and the way Watson hung in was fantastic. Smith was great today as well."

Australia will face India in the semi-finals.