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.

New Zealand has won the toss and elected to bat against South Africa in the second of the Champions Trophy semifinals.

Both New Zealand and South Africa will be looking to inch closer to their first ICC trophy in more than two decades on Wednesday in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Lahore.

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand, Kiwi coach Gary Stead plays down concerns about the venue switch from Lahore to Dubai. Meanwhile, India's coach Gautam Gambhir rebuffs claims of undue advantage for the Men in Blue playing all matches in Dubai.

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.

South Africa dominated Group B, finishing at the top with two wins from three matches. Their final group-stage fixture against England highlighted their strength, as they secured a commanding 7-wicket victory.

Kane Williamson is too long in the tooth to get dragged into the debate over India getting to play the Champions Trophy final in Dubai and the batter is focused only on the chance of New Zealand grabbing silverware after reaching the title-decider.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) -New Zealand booked their place in the final of the Champions Trophy against India after sparkling hundreds by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson helped them earn a 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

South Africa face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore - follow live cricket scores, text updates, in-play video clips and radio commentary