New Zealand hope the return of captain Daniel Vettori can inspire them past favourites South Africa on Friday into a sixth Cricket World Cup semi-final.

Vettori missed the last two group games with strained knee ligaments, but said he "should be fine" for what could be his last match as the one-day skipper.

South Africa believe a shift from pace to spin bowling is helping their cause, with Imran Tahir key to their hopes.

The winners face either England or Sri Lanka for a place in the final.