Chase dedicates historic Pakistan triumph to Sir Garry Sobers

West Indies captain Roston Chase said his team's memorable victory over Pakistan carried a significance that stretched far beyond the cricket field, dedicating the landmark Test triumph to the late Sir Garfield Sobers on what would have been the legendary all-rounder's 90th birthday.

The West Indies secured a 90-run victory on the fourth day at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, recording the venue's first-ever Test match win. For Chase, the historic achievement was made even more meaningful by its remarkable coincidence with the milestone birthday of the Barbadian icon, who died on July 17 and is widely regarded as the greatest all-round cricketer the game has produced.

Victory with special meaning

Speaking after the match, Chase described the result as both a historic breakthrough for the venue and a heartfelt farewell to one of the Caribbean's greatest sporting heroes.

"This is a good feeling. Obviously the first match at the Brian Lara Stadium, so to come and get a win here is very good for us and also the passing of a legend, the great Sir Garfield Sobers, coming and beating the Pakistanis in four days, especially on his birthday as well, it's a good sendoff to him as well and a really good feeling."

The timing of the victory resonated deeply throughout the West Indies camp, arriving just one day before Sir Garry's state funeral in Barbados.

Chase eager to pay his respects

Beyond celebrating the victory, Chase expressed his hope of joining fellow Barbadians in honoring Sobers at his funeral.

"...I think that it would be a good gesture, it would be a great privilege and an honour for me to go home and attend the funeral of the great Sir Garfield Sobers, so if it's available for me, I'll be there."

His wish was quickly realized.

Following the post-match press conference, Chase returned to Barbados with white-ball captain Shai Hope and fellow Barbadians Justin Greaves, Joshua Bishop and Jomel Warrican through arrangements facilitated by the Government of Barbados, allowing them to attend Wednesday's state funeral.

Cricket West Indies unites in tribute

The players joined a wider Cricket West Indies delegation assembled to celebrate the life and legacy of the legendary all-rounder.

The official contingent included Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow, Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring, CWI Director and Leeward Islands Cricket Board President Enoch Lewis, Guyana Cricket Board President Bissoondyal Singh, and Windward Islands Cricket Board President Clement Marcellin.

For the West Indies, the victory over Pakistan will be remembered not only as a breakthrough at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy but also as an emotional tribute to a man whose influence transcended generations. On a day filled with symbolism, the team's first Test victory at the venue, and its 90-run margin of success on what would have been Sir Garry's 90th birthday, provided a poignant salute to a cricketing giant whose legacy continues to inspire the Caribbean and the wider sporting world.