Salman scored 62 as Pakistan won by two wickets with two balls remaining as they successfully chased down a 264-run target.
Pakistan put South Africa in to bat and the tourists’ opening pair put on a 98-run partnership before teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who scored 57 off 60 balls on his ODI debut, was expertly caught at point.
Quinton de Kock, back in the ODI ranks after a two-year absence, was South Africa’s top scorer with 63 and Corbin Bosch made a quick-fire 41 in the last overs before South Africa were bowled out for 263 with five balls to spare.
"I think we were 20-30 runs short. We lost wickets in clusters," South Africa captain Matthew Breetzke said. "But there were lots of positives. Obviously Lhuan-dre is a very special player with a bright future and to have Quinton back, he batted nicely.
"They (Pakistan) were always favourites towards the end but proud of the bowlers how they fought well and took it to the last over. We kept believing, but it didn't happen."
Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) got Pakistan off to a solid 87-run first-wicket start and they kept on course as Mohammad Rizwan hit 55 and featured in a key 91-run fourth-wicket partnership with Salman. Rizwan had been replaced as captain last month.
There was a wobble for Pakistan, who were seemingly coasting to victory when they lost three wickets in successive overs, but new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was there at the end to help see them over the line.
"We thought maybe we'll get some help early on with the ball and there will be dew in second innings but it totally changed," new Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi said.
"I would give credit to our batters, they handled it well, they batted really well on a tough surface."
The two teams meet again at Iqbal Stadium, hosting international cricket after a 17-year absence, on Thursday.
