The state side took just 35 minutes to clinch victory on the final day at Bloemfontein with South African captain Hansie Cronje finishing unbeaten on 158 in their second innings total of 412 for eight.

He shared a ninth wicket partnership of 135 with tail-ender Johan van der Wath, who contributed 23 not out.

It was an astonishing result for a team, which had been bowled out for just 67 in their first innings.

"In our last two matches our opponents have scored more than 400 runs against us in their second innings and that is something we will have to look at," said West Indies skipper Brian Lara.

"We seem to be able to play well for two days but not keep it up," added Lara.

There was more bad news for the tourists with leg-spinner Dinananath Ramnarine troubled by a shoulder injury despite sending down 29 overs for figures of three for 138 and they may have to consider sending for a replacement.

Free State began the day requiring 26 runs for victory and it was plain sailing until Cronje offered a chance off Nixon McLean with just two runs needed, but Curtly Ambrose spilled the catch at deep fine leg.

Van der Wath, a 20-year-old playing only his fourth first-class game, ended the West Indies' agony two balls later when he pushed the winning single.

The first Test gets under way at the Wanderers ground in Johannesburg on Thursday. Gauteng fast bowler David Terbrugge, 21, is the only uncapped player in the South African squad.

Scorecard

West Indies: 316 and 188
Free State 1st innings: 67

Free State 2nd innings (overnight 412-8):

K Venter b Hooper 53
G Liebenberg c Jacobs b Ambrose 26
H Dippenaar run out 82
L Wilkinson lbw b Dillon 27
H Cronje not out 158
M van Wyk c McLean b Ramnarine 20
N Boje c Williams b Ramnarine 6
J Beukes b Hooper 22
H Bakkes c and b Ramnarine 13
J van der Wath not out 23
Extras (b-1 w-2 nb-5) 8
Total (for 8 wickets) 438

Fall of wickets: 1-51 2-106 3-192 4-195 5-232 6-251 7-285 8-303.