South African spin menace Imran Tahir has run through Zimbabwe's top order to give the hosts a 34-run win in the first T20 international at East London.
Veteran spinner Tahir took 5-23 as the tourists slumped to 126 all out in reply to South Africa's 6-160.
Zimbabwe had begun their chase with confidence after striking back to limit the hosts in their innings.
Faf du Plessis' 34 from 20 balls and an 87-run stand between debutant Rassie van der Dussen (56) and David Miller (39) laid a strong Proteas platform, but Chris Mpofu (2-24) restricted them.
Peter Moor hit 44 in Zimbabwe's reply but, having taken the first three wickets for 11 runs, South Africa were always in control and eased to victory.
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