BENONI, South Africa (CMC):

Marlon Samuels made a bold statement ahead of next week's start of the three-Test series, pummelling an entertaining, unbeaten 100 on the opening day of their three-day match, as West Indies made a strong start to their tour of South Africa yesterday.

The right-hander finished the day on 103 from just 102 deliveries, an innings that propelled the tourists to 217 for two against a South African Invitational XI at Willowmoore Park.

He was joined by in-form opener Devon Smith who was also closing in on three figures at the close, unbeaten on 83. The pair have so far added 182 for the third wicket.

Earlier, West Indies blew away the hosts for a paltry 125, with left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell taking five for 16 from just 6.1 overs.

Aviwe Mgijima top-scored with 35, Clyde Fortuin chipped in with 34, while Stiaan van Zyl scored 23, and were three of only four batsmen making it to double figures.

In turmoil at 55 for six, Mgijima and Fortuin combined to rescue the Invitational XI's innings in a 69-run, seventh-wicket stand.

The 26-year-old Mgijima faced 64 balls in 96 minutes at the crease and struck four fours and a six while Fortuin, a 19-year-old right-hander, faced 70 balls and counted seven fours in just under 1-3/4 hours.

Samuels stroked 19 fours, while Smith struck 12 fours and a six off 144 balls, in a partnership that saw the Windies score at over five runs an over.

West Indies face South Africa in the first Test at Centurion starting next Wednesday.