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 are in impressive form in ODI cricket of late, despite a recent hiccup against India in their most recent encounter.

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.

Ricky Ponting predicts South Africa as favourites for the Champions Trophy semifinal against New Zealand, citing their powerful and deep batting lineup. Ponting highlights key players like Heinrich Klaasen and key matchups such as Ryan Rickelton versus Matt Henry.

Stalwart top-order batsman Daryl Mitchell has declared himself fit to face India in New Zealand's final Champions Trophy group match after missing the win over Bangladesh on Monday because of illness.

New Zealand has sealed a semifinal spot in the Champions Trophy after cruising past Bangladesh by five wickets on the back of Rachin Ravindra's century in Rawalpindi.

India will face Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday, having beaten New Zealand to finish top of Group A.