South Africa defeated Bangladesh by 52 runs in the first Twenty20 international in Dhaka today. Opting to bat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, South Africa made 148 four in the stipulated twenty overs. Skipper Faf du Plessis helped the visitors recover from a shaky start with an unbeaten 79 off 61 balls, his sixth half-century in Twenty20 internationals. Chasing the target of 149, Bangladesh were all out for 96 runs in 18.5 overs. Shakib Al Hasan was the only batsman to offer some kind of resistance with 26 off 30 balls while debutante Litton Das made 22 off 33 balls. The second and final match of the two-match series will be held at the same grounds on Tuesday.