Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq blamed his batsmen for Asia XI's two-run defeat by Africa XI in the opening game of the Afro-Asia Cup in Centurion, on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 199 for victory, pre-tournament favourites Asia XI coasted to 50 without loss before Shaun Pollock claimed three wickets in the 11th over to turn the match on its head.
Inzamam told reporters his batsmen still "needed hard work in the nets over the next two days" to win the three-match series.
"Our bowlers are experienced and I thought they did very well, 199 was not too big a total to chase. The pitch was a bit damp but it was a good wicket," Inzamam said.
"We had a good start when we reached 50 in the first 10 overs but then we lost six wickets in scoring the next 50 runs. That was the turning point of the match."
Africa XI coach Mickey Arthur, the newly appointed South African mentor, was delighted with the win.
"I hope all the matches aren't so close but it was a fantastic win. It was a great environment to work in."
In a low-scoring match, Asia XI were bowled out for 196 while, chasing Africa XI's total of 198.
Africa XI's Ashwell Prince was the top scorer from either side as he finished unbeaten on 78.
Arthur was particularly pleased with 22-year-old rookie Dale Steyn, who began the 49th over with Asia XI needing just three runs for victory but he bowled Ashish Nehra to win the match.
"Dale Steyn has been in the cauldron now and the experience will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career," said Arthur.
"Having only five bowlers actually turned out to be a good thing because they all took responsibility, knowing they each had to bowl their full complement.
"I thought both Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock were outstanding, they got a lot of shape on the ball."
The remaining two matches will be played in Durban on Saturday and Sunday.
