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.

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.

Though losing to India on a spin-friendly wicket in Dubai, New Zealand were happy with how their three-pronged pace attack of Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke performed to restrict Rohit Sharma’s team to 9-249.

The full implications of the India's refusal to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan were laid bare on Sunday as Australia and South Africa waited to find out whether they will play their semi-finals in Lahore or Dubai this week.

Jos Buttler's final match as skipper ended in defeat by South Africa at the Champions Trophy. England's white-ball team will need more than a funky change of faces.

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

Two former Champions Trophy winners will battle for a spot in the tournament decider, looking to end their respective title droughts. Here's how the teams stack up:

Rassie van der Dussen scored 72 not out off 87 balls to lead South Africa into the semifinals of the Champions Trophy by beating England by seven wickets.