Tabraiz Shamsi recorded figures of 4-27 to inspire the Proteas to a 33-run win over Ireland in the first T20I on Monday.
The Proteas underwhelmed with the bat, accumulating just 165 runs for the loss of seven wickets, with Aiden Markram top-scoring after a knock of 39 off 30 balls.
However, Ireland were never in with a chance of threatening the Proteas, crumbling to 88-9 before a gutsy last-wicket partnership added some respectability to the end result.
Aiden Markram top-scored for the visitors with 39 and David Miller chipped in with 28 as South Africa reached 165-7 in their 20 overs.
Seven of the top-eight batsmen reached double figures after the tourists were asked to bat although nobody went on to make a big score.
Ireland slumped to 46-5 in reply, with Harry Tector (36) offering resistance but wickets tumbled regularly and the hosts could only muster 132-9.
Shamsi, the top-ranked bowler in T20I cricket, ended up with figures of 4-27 off his four overs.
The teams meet in Belfast on Thursday and again on Saturday.
The recent ODI series between the sides finished 1-1.
