Sabina Park Cricket Ground is one of the oldest cricket grounds located in Kingston, Jamaica.
It is famous for its traditionally difficult and fast pitch. It could initially seat up to 15,000 people, however, the stadium underwent renovations prior to the 2007 World Cup and now seats 20,000 fans.
Sabina Park hosted its first international match, a Test between West Indies and England, in April 1930.
Since then, the venue has hosted over 111 international matches, including 55 Tests, 47 ODIs, and nine T20Is. Over the years, the ground has witnessed some of the best innings in Test cricket.
With that being said, let’s have a look at Sabina Park Cricket Ground Test records and stats.
Kingsmead Cricket Ground Test records and stats
Highest total
England holds the record for the highest Test total at Sabina Park. During the fourth Test of their 1930 tour of West Indies, England amassed a colossal 849 in their first innings. Andy Sandham’s triple century (325) and Les Ames’ century (149) were instrumental in this total.
In response, West Indies were bowled out for 286. England declared their second innings at 272/9, setting a daunting target of 836. West Indies, led by George Headley's double century (223), managed 408/5 and the match ended in a draw.
Lowest total
The lowest Test total at Sabina Park belongs to West Indies after they were bowled out for just 47 against England.
In the first Test of a four-match series in 2004, West Indies had earlier scored 311 in their first innings thanks to Devon Smith’s century (108). England replied with 339. However, in their second innings, Steve Harmison’s devastating spell (7/12) dismantled the hosts in just 25.3 overs. England needed only 20 runs in their second innings and sealed a dominant 10-wicket victory.
Most runs
Sir Gafield Sobers is the leading run-scorer at Sabina Park. Between 1954 and 1974, Sobers scored 1,354 runs in 11 matches at a mind-boggling average of 104.15 with five centuries and four fifties.
Brian Lara ranks second with 1,112 runs in 12 matches, including three centuries and six fifties at an average of 58.52.
Most wickets
Courtney Walsh, the legendary West Indies fast bowler, is the highest wicket-taker at Sabina Park. Walsh claimed 48 wickets in 11 matches between 1985 and 2001 at an average of 18.68. Walsh recorded two four-wicket hauls and two fifers at this magnificent stadium. Wesley Hall follows with 35 wickets in just five matches at an impressive average of 15.25.
Highest individual score
Sir Garry Sobers also has the record for the highest individual score at Sabina Park. During the third Test of Pakistan’s 1958 tour of West Indies, he hit an undefeated 365 against Pakistan in the first innings, including 38 boundaries. Earlier, Pakistan had scored 328 before West Indies, powered by Sobers’ knock, scored 790/3 in their first innings and declared. Pakistan were all out for 288 in the second innings as the Windies won by an innings and 174 runs.
Best bowling figures in an Innings
Steve Harmison registered the best bowling figures in an innings at Sabina Park. During the second innings of the first 2004 Test of England’s tour of West Indies, he delivered a fiery spell of 7/12 to bowl out the hosts for just 47. He took the wickets of Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ridley Jacobs, Tino Best, Adam Sanford and Fidel Edwards.
West Indies had posted 311 runs in their first innings. England scored 339 in their first innings, which led to the West Indies' disappointing second innings score of 47. England easily chased down the 20-run target, winning the Test by ten wickets.
Best bowling figures in a match
Jason Holder holds the record for the best match figures at Sabina Park. In the second Test of a two-match series against Bangladesh in 2018, Holder claimed 11 wickets for 103 runs, including 5/44 in the first innings and 6/59 in the second. Holder’s bowling efforts restricted Bangladesh to totals of 149 and 168 as the Windies secured a massive 166-run victory to seal the series 2-0.
Highest Partnership
The highest partnership at Sabina Park was recorded by Garry Sobers and Conrad Hunte in the third Test of a five-match series in 1958 against Pakistan. Having initially dismissed Pakistan for 328 in their first innings, the Windies duo of Sobers and Hunte added 446 runs for the second wicket with the latter scoring 260 and the former remaining unbeaten on 365 as West Indies eventually declared on 790 for 3. Pakistan were then bowled out for 288 in their second innings as West Indies won the match by an innings and 174 runs.
Photo credit: Imago