Chasing a nominal target of 125, South Africa's run-chase was disarrayed with recurrent fall of wickets, giving India hope to pull off a stunner even after putting up a low total.
After Andile Simelane was bowled out by Ravi Bishnoi for seven, things looked really tough for the Proteas as they needed 39 from 26 balls.
However, Tristan Stubbs [unbeaten 47 from 41 balls] and Gerald Coetzee [19 from 9 balls] pulled up their socks and went past the line with the Indian bowlers failing to finish off in style.
Varun Chakaravarthy was the best bowler for India with his five-wicket haul that led the South African batting look out of sorts.
South Africa's decision to bowl was justified after India crawled to 124/6 in 20 overs.
Hardik Pandya, who had a forgettable death over batting, was the top scorer with his 39 from 45 balls. His knock comprised 4 fours and 1 six.
Scores in brief
India 124/6 in 20 overs
South Africa 128/7 [19 overs]