The South African cricketers were forced to toil hard ahead of their limited overs series against England, before overcoming Zimbabwe by 45 runs in a one-day international in Benoni.
Zimbabwe, chasing 296 for victory, were reduced to 48 for five after South Africa had reached 295 for five from their 50 overs.
Tatenda Taibu, with an unbeaten 103 and Stuart Matsikenyeri with 86 then added 188 off 193 balls in a record sixth wicket partnership against South Africa.
The previous record of 124 was set by Craig McMillan and Chris Harris for New Zealand in Adelaide in the 1997/98 season.
Taibu's second century in 111 one-day internationals came in the final over of the innings as he took Zimbabwe to 250 for six. He struck six fours and three sixes off 112 deliveries.
Matsikenyeri scored 86 from 87 deliveries with eight fours and a six.
AB de Villiers scored a run-a-ball 51 and Albie Morkel struck 50 not out from 39 balls in the South African innings.
