Australia have sealed a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup following a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Adelaide.

Pakistan went into bat first, and Misbah-ul-Haq top-scored with 34 runs off 54 balls as Australia dominated from the field.

The hosts bowled their opponents all out for 213, with seamer Josh Hazlewood taking 4-35 and Mitchell Starc nabbing two wickets.

In reply, Pakistan struck early when Sohail Khan sent Aaron Finch packing for lbw after the batsman hit just two runs, with Australia on 15 inside two overs.

The hosts suffered another wobble six overs later when Wahab Riaz claimed the wicket of big-hitter David Warner, who guided the ball in the air to third-man, where Rahat Ali was placed to take the catch.

With Warner heading back to the pavilion having hit 24 off 23 balls, the responsibility fell onto the shoulders of captain Michael Clarke, but he managed just eight runs as Riaz claimed his second big wicket of the innings.

The momentum swung in Pakistan's direction, but it didn't last long as Steven Smith boosted Australia's attack by racking up the run-rate and getting boundaries on the board.

Smith put his side in control, but he was eventually taken out by Ehsan Adli after hitting 65 runs, including seven boundaries, off 69 balls.

Despite losing Smith, Shane Watson, who survived an early dropped catch by Rahat, and Glenn Maxwell were able to reach the target with unbeaten knocks of 64 and 44 respectively.

Australia will face India in the semi-finals.