With Pakistan already knocked out of the tournament, the usual rush was missing, and so was the fanfare. A handful of vendors were selling flags of New Zealand and South Africa, but the response from customers seemed lukewarm.

South Africa and New Zealand will play the semi final game in the ICC Champions Trophy. See the records of the Lahore stadium ahead of the match.

Given the improved conditions in Lahore, both the South African and New Zealand teams are eager to return and aim for a spot in the final.

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

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.