South Africa bundled out India for 111 after posting 187 on the board.
Opting to bat, the Proteas rode on David Miller (63 off 35) and Dewald Brevis' (45 off 29) recovery act -- 97-run fourth-wicket stand from just 51 balls -- to post 187/7 on the board. Tristan Stubbs (44* off 24) also produced a significant knock.
In reply, India never got going as South Africa bundled out the tournament co-hosts for a paltry 111 in 18.5 overs, with Marco Jansen taking 4/22. Keshav Maharaj grabbed 3/24, while Corbin Bosch (2/12) also provided breakthroughs. Lungi Ngidi didn't take any wicket but kept things tight with four overs for just 15 runs.
Reflecting on the win, South African skipper Aiden Markram commended his side's adaptability and quick assessment of conditions.
"Great performance. Very different type of wicket to what we've had here, so great to see the boys assess that pretty early and adapt their skills to execute their plans. We're really pumped for the bowling group. They've been working hard, started the comp a bit tough, but the way they rocked up tonight was a great effort," Markram said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
He lauded Miller and Brevis for steadying the innings after South Africa were reduced to 20/3 inside the powerplay.
"I think first and foremost was that partnership. The guys were great, put that together for us, steadied the ship and kept us in the game," the captain added.
According to Markram, the team's batting through the middle overs proved to be decisive in the all-important fixture.
"Conversations towards the back end were that the ball was travelling tonight, felt almost a bit spongy, so it was about finding space where we could run hard, drop the ego and take as much as we could at the back end. They bowled well up front and at the death as well, but I thought our batting through the middle was probably the difference."
He was effusive in praise of the team’s fielding effort and pacer Lungi Ngidi’s miserly spell. "Good effort in the field. We put two down but not for lack of effort. Against UAE we probably weren't as connected as we'd like, but that presence and connectedness was much better today. We're going to make mistakes, we don't mind that as a group, so we'll brush those aside. We feel like Lungi is a threat whenever he bowls and that he can take wickets for us in that middle phase," Markram remarked.
Looking ahead to their next Super 8 clash against the West Indies, Markram said, "I think it's the same for both teams having played each other recently. They're a dangerous T20 side playing good cricket, so we'll enjoy this tonight, park it, and get our minds sharp for that West Indies clash. It's a big game for us and we don't want to take confidence or good vibes for granted. Important to rock up on the 28th and take it on full steam ahead."
Miller, who was declared Player-of-the-Match, said he backed his strengths to produce a counter attack after the early setback.
"Just about making sure you stick to your strengths and don't go into your shell. During the powerplay, all fielders were in the ring so thought of going over. Trying to get a partnership as much as we could, and trying to rotate strike," Miller said.
Talking about his scoring areas at the venue, the southpaw stated, "With the nature of this ground, you want to look straight. Smaller there than square. Want to shape up to hit straight and then react. Looking to be nice and aggressive against the spinners. They have world-class bowlers. Have played against them a lot, trying to put them under pressure and about putting yourself in the position to do that."
(With IANS Inputs)