Australia's cricket captain Michael Clarke says today's quarter-final against Pakistan in Adelaide is being treated as the tournament's title decider.
The winner will go through to the semi-finals to face India after the reigning world champions hammered Bangladesh by 109 runs on Thursday night.
Australian cricket captain, Michael Clarke. Photo: AFP
"We're really focused on this game," Clarke said.
"We treat this like a World Cup final for us.
"It's a crucial game obviously - you lose, you're sitting and watching the rest of the tournament."
Clarke dismissed Australia's favouritism against Pakistan as irrelevant, saying the co-hosts would not be trapped into underestimating their foe.
"Pakistan have been under-rated for a long time, especially in the shorter form of the game. They have got a lot of talent" he said.
"Their attack is very good and they have showed that throughout this series.
"They have got a good mix of youth and experience in their batting as well.
"And they're led very well by Misbah-ul-Haq."
Misbah's Pakistan made the last eight courtesy of four consecutive wins, including an impressive victory over semi-finalists South Africa, coming after defeats in its opening two matches of the tournament.
"Four wins in a row gives you a lot of confidence as a team," Misbah said.
"Our mindset is good at the moment, our momentum is really good.
"So this is the best time to play against a such a good team because we also are in a good frame of mind."
Pakistan captain, Misbah-ul-Haq. Photo: AFP
- ABC
