South Africa will rest leg-spinner Imran Tahir for the remainder of this month’s T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Fellow wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi will likely play the final two T20Is.

Tahir was named Man of the Match after Tuesday’s series opener at Buffalo Park in East London, on the back of telling figures of 5-23. After debutant Rassie van der Dussen pushed the Proteas to 160-6 with a fine half-century, Tahir limited the opposition to 126 all out.

Opening the bowling alongside seamer Lungi Ngidi, Tahir removed openers Chamu Chibhabha and Hamilton Masakadza – and the hard-hitting Tarisai Musakanda.

He later returned to the attack to complete a second T20I career five-for with the dismissals of all-rounders Shaun Williams and Elton Chigumbura.

‘I practise mostly with the new ball, to see if I can get more accurate if I get to bowl with the new ball. I’m a big believer that it’s never too late to learn,’ said Tahir.

‘I’m really pleased. I don’t take things for granted. Every opportunity I get to play for South Africa is an honour. I am just pleased to have been able to come out well.’

The second T20I will be played in Potchefstroom on Friday. Benoni will host the third and final match of the series on Sunday.