Lonwabo Tsotsobe claimed three wickets for just 16 runs to restrict Pakistan to 119 in their 20 overs in Abu Dhabi and helped steer the South Africans to an easy win last night.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket that displayed some uneven bounce throughout the match.
Tsotsobe claimed his first wicket at the end of the second over, having Imran Farhat caught by Graeme Smith for ten.
Pakistan then held out for three overs before the South African quick struck again, claiming the other opening bat for 9 (off 28 balls).
Johan Botha, back as captain of the Proteas, also picked up three wickets as Pakistan managed only 119 in their innings.
There was a flutter on the South African benches after the first three wickets were down for only 26 runs in five overs, but JP Duminy (41 off 54) and Collin Ingram steadied the ship with a 66 run partnership.
Ingram took the Protreas past the post with his 46 not out and was assisted by David Miller in the end, who made 13 off 12 balls.
South Africa now go into tonight's match 1-up and the six-wicket win will have the Proteas brimming with confidence. Today's match starts at 18:00 South African time.
