JOIN USShivnarine Chanderpaul and Denesh Ramdin rebuilt West Indies' first innings with a 200-run partnership to guide their side to 289 for six at the close of play on the first day of the third and final Test against New Zealand on Thursday.
Chanderpaul was in sight of his 29th Test century on 94 with captain Darren Sammy on nought at stumps in Hamilton after wicketkeeper Ramdin was dismissed for 107, his fourth century, with three overs remaining in the day.
The pair had manufactured a salvage operation after they had been thrust together with West Indies in deep trouble at 86 for five after the home attack had taken four wickets for nine runs in the hour following lunch.
Both men rode their luck, however, with New Zealand's bowlers frustrated as balls flew just short or wide of fielders, while Ramdin was dropped twice after he passed 50.
Ramdin brought up his century when he flashed a Trent Boult delivery over backward point for his 18th boundary, though he had earlier been dropped by Kane Williamson and by Tim Southee.
He did not last much longer after passing the milestone, jamming down on a Corey Anderson delivery that caught the edge and flew to wicketkeeper BJ Watling with the umpires checking to see if the ball had hit the ground first.
Chanderpaul and Ramdin's partnership ensured the visitors ended the day with a marginal points victory after losing the toss and being asked to bat first.