Makeshift opener Clyde Fortuin was out for a duck on the first ball of the second over as South Africa, who won the toss and elected to bat first, got off to a poor start.
Wicketkeeper Fortuin, promoted up the order, slashed Matt Henry’s opening ball and Glenn Phillips took a brilliant diving catch at gully.
Fast bowler Will O’Rourke took a wicket on debut when he trapped captain Neil Brand LBW for 25.
Renard van Tonder was out for 32 in the over before lunch, caught at gully after failing to hold on to a short ball from Neil Wagner.
Most of South Africa’s first-choice Test players have remained at home to compete in the domestic Twenty20 competition.