Sabina Park celebrates 50th test match: Windies vs Pakistan
ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Sabina Park is slated to host its 50th test match when the West Indies face off with Pakistan for the first of this year’s series in Kingston between April 21 and 25.
Sabina Park, like Kensington Oval, is among two of the international venues which will have hosted 50 Test matches or more.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in association with Kingston Cricket Club and Sabina Park Holdings through the support of the Jamaica Cricket Association will also be hosting a series of events during the match to celebrate the important milestone.
The WICB in a release on Friday said a poster competition has been launched and information is being circulated for participation among schools in Jamaica. The competition is for children/students 12 to 19 years old under the theme – Sabina, how the past influences the future.
Among the other activities will be a tribute to all the top performances which have taken place at the Park.
Chief among them will be images of Garfield Sobers’ record 365 in 1958; George Headley’s 270 in 1935 and Ramnaresh Sarwan’s 261 in 2004.
Bowling highlights will include the exploits of former fast bowler, Courtney Walsh, who tops the list with the highest number of wickets, 48, which he took between 1985 and 2001; Sir Wes Hall grabbed 35 during an eight-year period, 1960 – 1968; and the late Malcolm Marshall, 31, between 1981 and 1991.
The celebration will also include a mix of sport and entertainment activities showcasing the impact cricket and Sabina Park have had on Jamaica since its first Test back in April 1930.
“The milestone is an important one for the Park and we think it could have not come at a better time, when the cricket industry is at a turning point towards more positive economic contributions. We are pleased to be hosting Pakistan on this milestone. We anticipate keen contest in the match and we look forward to support from the fans for the variety of activities we will have to mark this significant time in our history,” said JCA President, Billy Heaven.
Tickets for the match will be available online in a week and at the gates two weeks prior to the start of the match.