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.

The Black Caps and South Africa tonight meet for a spot in the Champions Trophy final. The prospect of an ICC final isn’t new to New Zealand but for South Africa, the nation’s long run of poor performances in 50-over knockout cricket hangs over them.

South Africa vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final: Both teams will be playing their first at the venue on Wednesday, which has so far been a belter.

New Zealand will head into their Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa with confidence intact despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament against India, paceman Matt Henry said.

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.

South Africa have taken the 18-hour stopover in Dubai between matches in Pakistan in their stride and used the opportunity to "get out and walk and have some nice steak" between the end of the Champions Trophy group stage and their semi-final against New Zealand 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.