South Africa held off a late charge by Zimbabwe to win the first Twenty20 by 34 runs on Tuesday.
South Africa made 160-6 in their 20 overs and appeared to be cruising to victory when Zimbabwe were 70-7 in the 13th over.
But a partnership of 53 runs off 19 balls between PJ Moor (44 off 21 balls) and Brandon Mavuta (28 off 14) brought Zimbabwe back into the game.
Their partnership was broken by Junior Dala when Mavuta sliced a fill toss to third man and was caught by Lungi Ngidi. Zimbabwe lost their last three wickets in the space of three runs to be 126 all out.
Moor, who hit four sixes in a row in the 15h over to kick-start Zimbabwe's late surge, was caught at long-off to end the match.
Legspinner Imran Tahir took 5-23 for South Africa to continue his form from the one-day international series, which South Africa won 3-0.
Rassie van der Dussen made 56 on his international debut for South Africa and was helped by 39 from David Miller and 34 from captain Faf du Plessis.
South Africa's second debutant of the game didn't do as well, with opener Gihahn Cloete out for two in the first over.
