BLOEMFONTEIN (South Africa), Dec 5: Shivnarine Chanderpaul hit a chanceless century as the touring West Indians produced a solid batting performance on the first day of a four-day match against Free State Friday.

The left-handed Chanderpaul made 111 not out as the tourists reached 342 for four by close of play in their only first-class match ahead of the first Test against South Africa starting in Johannesburg next Friday.

Chanderpaul’s 29th first-class century was a timely return to form for a player whose highest score in two Tests and five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe recently was 39.

Brian Lara (72), Ramnaresh Sarwan (51) and wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs (66 not out) contributed half-centuries.

The day did not start well for the West Indians, though, with opening batsmen Chris Gayle and Daren Ganga both out cheaply.

Sarwan and Lara scored freely in a stand of 76, however, and there were further partnerships of 67 between Lara and Chanderpaul and an unbeaten 145 between Chanderpaul and Jacobs. It was announced during the tea break that Hinds, having recovered from his illness, had replaced off-spinner Omari Banks in the West Indian side, with the permission of Free State.

Chanderpaul scored freely, reaching his 50 off 61 balls and his 100 off 122. He slowed down towards the close of play, by when he had batted for 213 minutes and hit 16 fours off 160 balls.

Sarwan batted with assurance, although he was given a life on 31 when Rayno Arendse dropped a straightforward chance at backward point off all-rounder Ryan McLaren.

Lara looked in excellent form as he cracked 10 fours and a six in a 110-ball innings.

Scoreboard