Cricket World Cup 2015: Australia book India semi-final

(Reuters) - Shane Watson scored a half-century after being dropped on four to guide Australia to an emphatic six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Adelaide on Friday and send the co-hosts into a blockbuster World Cup semi-final with reigning champions India.

Fired by a four-wicket haul from recalled paceman and man-of-the-match Josh Hazlewood, Australia bowled out Pakistan for a modest 213 and after surviving a wobble in the chase, all-rounder Watson (64 not out) and Glenn Maxwell (44 not out) reeled in the total with more than 16 overs to spare.

Steven Smith was also instrumental, scoring a classy 65 to steer Australia as Watson weathered a furious short-pitched attack from fast bowler Wahab Riaz.

Pakistan's bowlers had little to defend at Adelaide Oval and were let down badly by two spilt catches that could have changed the complexion of the match.