Kiwis hope Vettori gamble pays off vs South Africa

New Zealand hopes the return of skipper Daniel Vettori can inspire the team to victory over South Africa on Friday and take the Black Caps to a sixth World Cup semifinal.

Vettori strained ligaments in his right knee against Pakistan and missed New Zealand's final two group games, but he said on Thursday he "should be fine" for Friday's quarterfinal.

Paceman Kyle Mills is also set to return from a calf strain and Vettori said opening batsman and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum will continue to play through a knee problem.

Friday's game could be Vettori's last as captain of the one-day side. The 31-year-old intends to give up the captaincy of the one-day and Twenty20 sides after the tournament.