West Indies captain Roston Chase paid an emotional tribute to cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers after his team defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the first Test, saying the victory felt like the perfect way to honour the great all-rounder on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Who is Sir Garfield Sobers?

Sobers, who passed away on July 17, is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. He played 93 Test matches for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78 with 26 centuries. He also picked up 235 wickets during his legendary career.

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West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs on Sobers' 90th birthday

After the win, Chase said the entire West Indies dressing room still looks up to Sobers and wanted to dedicate the result to him.

Speaking in a video shared by Cricket West Indies, Chase said, “On behalf of the West Indies senior men’s team, we dedicate this victory to the late Sir Garfield Sobers. He is a legend of the game and a hero to everyone in this dressing room. Today would have been his 90th birthday, and we won by 90 runs. It almost feels like it was meant to be.”

The skipper revealed that the players had discussed making the occasion special before the match.

“We wanted to make him proud. I hope he’s smiling as he watches over us. Thank you for everything you did for West Indies cricket. We hope this win has made you proud. May you continue to rest in peace,” Chase added.

How West Indies defeated Pakistan?

West Indies sealed a memorable 90-run victory after bowling Pakistan out for 120 while defending a target of 211. Fast bowler Jayden Seales was the star of the match with a brilliant five-wicket haul as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

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Pakistan’s batting once again struggled away from home, slipping to an eighth straight overseas Test defeat. Babar Azam fought hard with a half-century, while captain Shan Masood batted despite a fractured finger, but neither could prevent the loss.

The win also gave West Indies an unassailable lead in the two-match series. The second and final Test will be played in Port of Spain from August 2.


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