The Proteas romped to a 139-run victory over Ireland in the first ODI in Abu Dhabi on the back of Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs starring with the bat.
Temba Bavuma had won the toss and opted to bat first but the Proteas were soon in trouble when they reduced to 39-3 at the end of the ninth over.
Rickelton and Stubbs then combined for a valuable 152-run partnership for the fourth wicket with both players going on to score maiden half-centuries in the ODI format.
The left-handed Rickelton slammed seven fours and three sixes to top-score with 91 off 102 balls while Stubbs struck 79 from 86 deliveries.
Both batters, however, lost their wickets in quick succession with the Proteas still a long way short of a competitive total at 198-5 with 15 overs still remaining.
Good contributions from the tail-enders Bjorn Fortuin (28), Lungi Ngidi (20 not out) and Lizaad Williams (13) saw the Proteas edge to a middling total of 271-9 in their 50 overs.
Williams then starred with the ball as the seamer bowled with a good rhythm to claim figures of 4-32 as Ireland were bundled out for a paltry 132.
George Dockrell top-scored for the Irish with 21, with Andy Balbirnie and Curtis Campher each reaching 20 but failing to kick on, with both batters dismissed by Williams.
The Proteas could wrap up the three-match series if they claim victory in the second ODI that will be played at the same venue on Friday.
