The South Africans put Pakistan into bat after winning the toss at Grace Road in Leicester.

They restricted the Asian nation to 206-8 from their 50 overs with Moseline Daniels the best with the ball.

She took 2-21 from her ten overs with Shabnim Ismail also claiming a pair of wickets.

Pakistan opener Nahida Khan blasted 79 from 101 balls, with her innings including nine fours and a six.

She did not receive adequate support, however, and Pakistan's total never looked to be good enough.

An opening stand of 113 from South Africans Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee looked to have put South Africa on course for a massive victory, and although wickets fell at an alarming rate after that, they got home with six balls remaining.

Wolvaardt finished on 52 and Lee 60 as the rest of the order did enough to steer their side home.

Sadia Yousuf was the best with the ball for Pakistan, finishing on 2-30.

All eight countries in the tournament are contesting one group to begin the event, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals.

Australia and the West Indies will begin their campaigns against each other in Taunton tomorrow.