Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is currently the 2015 World Cup's leading wicket taker. [Getty]

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Australia will take on Pakistan in the third quarter final clash of the 2015 ICC World Cup at Adelaide Oval on Friday.

Where to Watch Live

The match starts at 3.30am GMT. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD. Click here for the live streaming link.

Overview

Australia made it to the quarter final after finishing second in Group A with nine points from six games. They had to settle for a point with Bangladesh after their clash was washed out due to bad weather.

It will be for the first time that Australia is playing in Adelaide during the last eight of the tournament on Friday. Home conditions should favour Michael Clarke's side, but Pakistan's pace attack could trouble the hosts.

The top order batsmen need to fire with the bat, while the leading wicket taker of the World Cup Mitchell Starc, along with Mitchell Johnson will lead the bowling attack.

Ahmad Shahzad-Sarfaraz Ahmed
Ahmad Shahzad and Sarfaraz Ahmed played a crucial role in helping Pakistan seal a victory over Ireland. [Getty]

Meanwhile, Pakistan made it to the knockout stage of the World Cup after defeating Ireland comfortably in their last group stage fixture. The clash was a knockout of sorts as Sarfraz Ahmed's maiden century helped his side send Ireland back home.

The Asian side have suffered a massive blow after their strike bowler Mohammad Irfan was ruled out of the World Cup. The left-arm fast bowler missed Pakistan's crucial match against Ireland and he was replaced by Ehsan Adil.

He could retain his spot in the playing XI against Australia in the quarter final clash and Adil will have a huge role to play when his side take on the co-host in the last eight of the tournament.

The last time the World Cup was held in Australia, Pakistan won their first World Cup in 1992. A win over one of the host nations will mean they are only two wins away from lifting the trophy for the second time in their history.

Prediction

Australia to win

Betting Odds (888Sport.com)

  • Australia to win: 2/9
  • Pakistan to win: 57/17

Mitchell Johnson (Australia bowler): "I think it's worked perfectly, he's [Mitchell Starc) got a lot of attention. He's obviously bowling very well. He's done a really good job upfront for us. His career in one-cricket has, so far, been outstanding. He's always performed well for us in one-day cricket. It wasn't a surprise that he was going to perform like this through the World Cup as well."

Team News

Australia

Possible XI: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (C), Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin (WK), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins

Pakistan

Possible XI: Ahmed Shehzad, Sarfraz Ahmed (WK), Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Sohail Khan, Ehsan Adil

Australia