After going through all the tangled scheduling, New Zealand returns to its recent favorite venue in Pakistan when it takes on South Africa in the second semifinal of the Champions Trophy in Lahore on Wednesday.

New Zealand bring "positive emotions" on their return to Lahore for the Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa after good results during the Pakistan tri-series, coach Gary Stead said on Tuesday.

Al Jazeera looks at the second semifinal of cricket’s Champions Trophy on Tuesday with New Zealand facing South Africa.

Follow live coverage of South Africa vs New Zealand from the ICC Champions Trophy today. The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner. The inaugural competition was won by New Zealand after a thrilling victory over India in June 2021.

South Africa will re-embark on an agonising quest for their first piece of ICC silverware since 1998 when they face New Zealand in Wednesday's semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Lahore, the scene of a high-scoring tussle between the duo last month.

Their bowling attacks are similarly matched but the difference could come in the spin department, where New Zealand look stronger

While on-paper, South Africa look a formidable unit and have been the team to beat in recent ICC events, their overall form over the last one year or so doesn't inspire confidence as the Proteas have lost eight of their last 13 ODIs.

New Zealand and South Africa have each scored one of the six totals of 300 or more in the tournament, both in Karachi

South Africa and New Zealand prepare to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal in Lahore, with both teams vying for a spot in the final against India. South African captain Temba Bavuma highlights the strengths of both bowling attacks and shares updates on player fitness and strategies for the upcoming match.

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for South Africa vs New Zealand in Wednesday's Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore