Skipper Younis Khan has scoffed at suggestions conditions at the Wanderers will play a major role in Pakistan's Champions Trophy semi-final against New Zealand on Saturday.

Pakistan played two of their three group matches at Centurion, where they enjoyed typically sub-continental pitches. Spinners Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi cashed in on the low, slow block on offer at SuperSport Park, but the track in Johannesburg is sure to prove an entirely different affair.

The Black Caps, the West Indies, England and Sri Lanka all enjoyed fast, bouncy condition at the Wanderers over the past 10 days, leaving the Pakistan brains trust to ponder the merits of a four-prong pace attack for the weekend's crucial clash.

Pakistan have at their disposal a quintet of quality fast bowlers in Mohammad Aamer, Rana Naved, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar and Mohammad Asif as well as the services of spinners Ajmal, Afridi and Shoaib Malik.

"These days conditions don't really matter. You could win the toss, choose to bat and be bowled out for 150. The track might seam or it might not. We will just stick to our natural play and stick to our gameplan. Whether Rana plays or Asif plays or both play, we will decide on the day," insisted Younis at Friday's press conference.

31-year-old Younis said beating New Zealand and then winning Monday's final would be fitting for a tumultuous nation in need of a boost in morale. World Twenty20 glory in England did a lot for the terror-ravaged, cricket-mad country's confidence in June and Khan hopes to add to the success.

"If we win it will be very good for the Pakistan fans back home. The game unites the country and if we get one or two more trophies in the cabinet that will be good for us all. As the Pakistan captain and as a team, we need to have two more good days and that will be great," he added.

Khan refused to underestimate Daniel Vettori's men, who beat big guns England and Sri Lanka to make it through to the tournament's final four teams.

"New Zealand are a very fantastic team and they perform well under pressure. They have good bowlers and their captain is very good with those deliveries of his and is a good batsman these days too. It's going to be a great game," enthused the jovial Pakistan captain.

Jumping the gun a wee bit, Younis hoped the English would beat Australia in their semi-final on Friday, allowing Pakistan to face their fellow Champs Trophy underachievers in Monday's final.

"England like us have never won the Champions Trophy and playing them in the final will be good. If that is the case then we are in for a tough game. England are a good unit. They are in fine form with the bat and have a decent spinner too," he concluded.

Khan confirmed that Imran Nazir will be fit for the encounter against the Kiwis. The opening batsman has recovered from a hand injury.

"He had some tightness there, but yes he will be fine for the New Zealand match," he said.

Jonhenry Wilson in Johannesburg