Sabina Park, Kingston Jamaica: Complete Cricket Ground Guide
Sabina Park is more than just a cricket ground — it is a living monument to West Indian cricket history. Nestled in Kingston, Jamaica, the ground has witnessed some of the most extraordinary moments in the sport’s history: Garfield Sobers’ world-record 365 not out, Steve Harmison’s devastating 7/12, and Lawrence Rowe’s legendary debut double-century.
Established in 1895 and hosting international cricket since 1930, Sabina Park sits proudly as the only Test cricket venue in Jamaica. With the Blue Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop to the north and Kingston Harbour to the south, the ground offers one of the most visually stunning settings in world cricket.
In 2026, Sabina Park is busier than ever — hosting the West Indies vs Sri Lanka white-ball series (all six ODI and T20I, CPL T20 matches) and welcoming the brand-new Jamaica Kingsmen franchise to the Caribbean Premier League. There has never been a better time to know everything about this iconic venue.
Sabina Park is a cricket ground in Kingston, Jamaica, with a capacity of 20,000. Established in 1895 and hosting Tests since 1930, it is Jamaica’s only Test venue. The pace-friendly pitch favours fast bowlers early. Home to the Jamaica Kingsmen in CPL 2026 and host to the WI vs Sri Lanka 2026 white-ball series.
Stadium Overview & Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sabina Park Cricket Ground |
| Location | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Established | 1895 |
| Capacity | 20,000 (post-2007 World Cup renovation) |
| Owned by | Kingston Cricket Club & Jamaica Cricket Association |
| Home Team | Jamaica cricket team (domestic) / West Indies (international) |
| End Names | Michael Holding End & Courtney Walsh End |
| First Test | 3–12 April 1930 (West Indies vs England) |
| First ODI | 26 April 1984 (West Indies vs Australia) |
| First T20I | 19 February 2014 (West Indies vs Ireland) |
| CPL Franchise | Jamaica Kingsmen (from 2026) |
| Coordinates | 17°58′40″N 76°46′57″W |
Stands & Infrastructure
- George Headley Stand — Named after Jamaica’s and arguably cricket’s greatest early hero, this stand faces the Blue Mountains.
- North Stand — Built as part of the 2007 World Cup renovation; now partially blocks the historic mountain view.
- Kingston Cricket Club Pavilion — The traditional members’ area with the ground’s administrative offices.
- Mound Stand — Popular terrace seating offering an informal atmosphere.
Before the 2007 Cricket World Cup renovation, Sabina Park could seat only 15,000 spectators. The redevelopment raised capacity to 20,000, though locals mourned the partial loss of the ground’s famous mountain vista caused by the new Northern Stand.
Location & How to Get There
Sabina Park is located at South Camp Road, Kingston, Jamaica, in the driest part of the city — a detail that historically contributed to its characteristically hard and fast pitch.
Nearest Landmarks:
- Norman Manley International Airport: approximately 20 km away
- Downtown Kingston: approximately 3 km
- New Kingston business district: approximately 2 km
Getting There:
- By taxi/rideshare: Most popular option; Kingston taxis are widely available.
- By bus: Route taxis along South Camp Road and Washington Boulevard stop near the ground.
- Parking: Limited on-site parking; fans encouraged to use nearby commercial lots.
Tickets: Official tickets available at tickets.windiescricket.com via the Intix gateway. General admission at Sabina Park starts from as low as USD $6.00 for adults; children enter free in unreserved sections.
Pitch Report & Playing Conditions
Understanding the Sabina Park pitch is essential for match prediction, fantasy cricket, and simply appreciating the action on the field.
Pitch Character by Format
| Format | Pitch Behaviour | Who Benefits Most |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Hard, bouncy early; deteriorates to spin-friendly by Day 4–5 | Fast bowlers (Days 1–2), Spinners (Days 4–5) |
| ODI | Moderate pace and bounce; good for batters in first 10 overs | Batters; swing bowlers in first powerplay |
| T20I | Pace and carry; small ground dimensions aid big hitting | Power hitters; death-over specialists |
Key Pitch Characteristics
- Surface type: Red clay with a covering of grass; traditionally one of the hardest and fastest in the Caribbean.
- Pace and bounce: Above average bounce throughout matches, rewarding bowlers who pitch the ball up.
- Swing: Significant swing available for pace bowlers in the first 5–10 overs, especially in morning conditions.
- Spin: As the match progresses — particularly in Tests from Day 3 onwards — the surface breaks up and offers turn.
- Toss impact: Teams winning the toss at Sabina Park typically elect to bowl first across all formats (74% of T20Is, majority in ODIs and Tests).
- Average first innings score: ~229 in ODIs; ~315 in Tests.
Sabina Park’s pitch was controversially relaid multiple times in the late 1990s and 2000s after it became dangerously uneven. The 1998 England vs West Indies Test was abandoned on the opening day due to the pitch endangering batters — an extraordinary event unique in modern Test cricket history. The remedial work has since produced a more consistent, if slower, surface than its legendary predecessor.
Weather Report
Kingston operates under a tropical maritime climate — warm, humid, and prone to afternoon showers, especially between May and November.
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Season | May – November | Frequent afternoon thunderstorms; high humidity (70–85%) |
| Dry Season | December – April | Sunny, lower humidity; ideal cricket weather |
Typical Match Day Conditions (June–July):
- Temperature: 28–31°C (82–88°F)
- Humidity: 70–80%
- Wind Speed: 10–20 km/h (sea breezes from Kingston Harbour)
- Precipitation chance: 40–66% (afternoon storms common)
- Visibility: Generally 10 km+
Night/Floodlit Matches: Sabina Park now has floodlights installed (a long-standing upgrade that was delayed for the inaugural CPL season in 2013). Evening temperatures drop to around 24–26°C, making night cricket pleasant for fans.
Pro Tip for Fans Attending in June–July: Arrive early for morning sessions — conditions are cooler and the light is excellent. Carry a light raincoat; afternoon showers are brief but heavy and can disrupt play, especially in the 30–40 over range of ODIs.
Test Match Records
Sabina Park has hosted 55 Test matches since 1930. The current tally of results shows a slight edge to teams batting second.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total Tests Hosted | 55 |
| Wins – Batting First | 19 |
| Wins – Batting Second | 22 |
| Draws / No Result | 14 |
| Highest Team Total | 849 (England vs West Indies, 1930) |
| Lowest Team Total | 47 (West Indies vs England, 2004) |
| Highest Individual Score | 365* – Garfield Sobers (WI vs Pakistan, 1958) |
| Best Bowling Figures | 7/12 – Steve Harmison (England vs WI, 2004) |
| Most Runs (Career) | 1,354 – Sir Garfield Sobers (avg. 104.15) |
| Most Wickets (Career) | 48 – Courtney Walsh |
The 849 — England’s All-Time Record at Sabina Park
In the fourth and final Test of their 1930 tour, England piled up a staggering 849 runs in their first innings. Andy Sandham’s 325 was the world’s first-ever triple century in Test cricket, and Les Ames contributed 149. West Indies replied with 286. England declared their second innings at 272/9, setting a target of 836. West Indies, led by George Headley’s majestic 223, finished on 408/5 — the match ended in a draw, but both teams wrote their names into history.
Sobers’ 365* — A Record That Stood 36 Years
On 27 February 1958, Garfield Sobers walked to the crease against Pakistan and did not leave until he had rewritten cricket’s record books. His 365 not out — containing 38 boundaries — stood as the highest individual score in Test cricket for 36 years until Brian Lara surpassed it in 1994. The innings was the centrepiece of West Indies’ 790/3 declared; Pakistan were bowled out for 288 in their second innings and lost by an innings and 174 runs.
Harmison’s 7/12 — The Most Brutal Spell in Modern Memory
In January 2004, Steve Harmison destroyed a West Indies second innings that had looked solid after a first-innings 311. His figures of 7 wickets for just 12 runs in 25.3 overs remain among the most devastating spells in Test history. West Indies were bowled out for 47 — their lowest-ever Test score — and England needed only 20 runs to seal a 10-wicket victory.
ODI Records
Sabina Park has hosted 40 ODI matches since the first in 1984.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total ODIs Hosted | 40 |
| Wins – Batting First | 15 |
| Wins – Batting Second | 23 |
| No Results / Abandoned | 2 |
| Highest Team Total | Not officially published per ICC (est. 300+) |
| Highest Individual Score | 174* – Upul Tharanga (Sri Lanka vs India) |
| Average First Innings Score | ~229 |
Key Insight: ODI results at Sabina Park heavily favour teams batting second (23 wins vs 15 for first innings). This is a crucial factor for fantasy cricket selections and match predictions — the toss and decision to field first tend to be rewarded.
T20I Records
Sabina Park entered the T20I era relatively late, hosting its first match in 2014.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is Hosted | 9 |
| Wins – Batting First | 5 |
| Wins – Batting Second | 4 |
| Highest Team Total | — |
| Lowest Team Total | 85/8 – Ireland (2014) |
| Highest Individual Score | 125* – Evin Lewis (WI vs India, 2017) |
| Most Runs (Career) | 134 – Glenn Phillips (NZ), avg 44.66, SR 171.79 |
| Most Wickets (Career) | 7 – Odean Smith (WI), avg 13.00, eco 8.27 |
Evin Lewis’ 125* — Caribbean Fireworks
In July 2017, Evin Lewis launched a breathtaking assault against India’s bowling to score 125 not out in a T20I at Sabina Park. His innings, packed with sixes into the stands, is considered one of the finest power-hitting displays in Caribbean T20 history.
Highest & Lowest Team Scores (All Formats)
Highest Team Scores
| Format | Score | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 849 | England | West Indies | 1930 |
| ODI | ~300+ | Various | Various | Various |
| T20I | — | — | — | — |
Lowest Team Scores
| Format | Score | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 47 | West Indies | England | 2004 |
| T20I | 85/8 | Ireland | West Indies | 2014 |
Most Runs at Sabina Park
Tests — Top Run-Scorers
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garfield Sobers | West Indies | 11 | 1,354 | 104.15 | 5 | 4 |
| 2 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 12 | 1,112 | 58.52 | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | (Various) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
T20Is — Top Run-Scorers
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Runs | Average | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glenn Phillips | New Zealand | 3 | 134 | 44.66 | 171.79 |
| 2 | Evin Lewis | West Indies | Various | — | — | — |
Most Wickets at Sabina Park
Tests — Top Wicket-Takers
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Courtney Walsh | West Indies | Various | 48 | — |
| 2 | (Various) | — | — | — | — |
Unique Insight: The end names — Michael Holding End and Courtney Walsh End — honour two of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, both of whom called Jamaica home. No other ground in world cricket has both its ends named after bowlers from the same generation and the same island. This is a powerful reminder of Kingston’s extraordinary contribution to pace bowling.
T20Is — Top Wicket-Takers
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odean Smith | West Indies | 3 | 7 | 8.27 |
Recent Matches (2025)
West Indies vs Australia – 3rd Test (12–14 July 2025)
The most recent Test at Sabina Park produced extraordinary records. Australia won by 176 runs, but the match will be remembered for a West Indies batting collapse of historic proportions:
- West Indies were dismissed in their second innings for a shocking score
- 7 batters were dismissed for zero — a new Test record (previous record was 6, shared by nine teams)
- Mitchell Starc took 6 wickets for just 9 runs — figures equalled by only a handful of bowlers in Test history
- Scott Boland took a Test hat-trick, becoming just the 10th Australian to do so
- West Indies’ collective batting average of 14.95 for the three-match series was the fifth-lowest of any team in any three-game Test series
West Indies vs Australia – Last T20I (23 July 2025)
The last T20I at the ground also featured Australia, completing a memorable tour of Jamaica.
Upcoming Matches 2026
West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 — White-Ball Series at Sabina Park
All six white-ball matches of the Sri Lanka tour of West Indies 2026 are scheduled at Sabina Park, making Kingston the hub of international cricket this June.
| Match | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 4 June 2026 | ODI |
| 2nd ODI | 6 June 2026 | ODI |
| 3rd ODI | 8 June 2026 | ODI |
| 1st T20I | 11 June 2026 | T20I |
| 2nd T20I | 13 June 2026 | T20I |
| 3rd T20I | 14 June 2026 | T20I |
Series Context: The two Test matches move to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The white-ball games count toward both teams’ preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. West Indies, captained by Shai Hope in ODIs, recalled Shimron Hetmyer and Alzarri Joseph for the series. Sri Lanka are led by Kusal Mendis in both white-ball formats.
Historical Note: This is only the second time in nine years Sabina Park has staged an ODI series (the last was in January 2022 vs Ireland). Sri Lanka has never before played a T20 series in Kingston, making this a historic first.
CPL 2026 – Jamaica Kingsmen Returns Cricket to Sabina Park
One of the biggest cricket stories of 2026 is the return of Caribbean Premier League cricket to Jamaica after a multi-year absence.
Jamaica Kingsmen — Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Jamaica Kingsmen |
| League | Caribbean Premier League (CPL) |
| Founded | 2026 |
| Owner | Kingsmen Sports Enterprise (FKS Group) |
| Home Ground | Sabina Park, Kingston |
| Capacity | 20,000 |
The team was founded following the acquisition of a new CPL franchise slot by Pakistani businessman Fawad Sarwar, backed by US-based Kingsmen Sports Enterprise. CPL CEO Pete Russell called the return “something fans have been calling for,” adding that Jamaica’s “rich cricketing heritage and unmistakable energy” makes it one of the most special destinations in the region.
Cricket West Indies President Dr Kishore Shallow also welcomed the development, emphasising Jamaica’s importance to cricket’s development across the Caribbean.
Ground Upgrades: The new franchise owners have committed to upgrading Sabina Park’s facilities, working alongside the Jamaica Cricket Association to ensure the ground is match-ready for CPL and future international cricket.
Expert Tips for Fantasy Cricket at Sabina Park
If you’re picking a fantasy cricket team for a match at Sabina Park, these data-driven insights will give you an edge:
- Pick 3–4 pace bowlers: The pitch rewards fast bowling, especially in the first 10 overs of any format. Michael Holding End and Courtney Walsh End are named after pace legends for a reason.
- Prioritise top-order batters who play pace well: Sobers, Lara, and Lewis all scored heavily here. Modern equivalents with strong pull and cut shots thrive.
- Back the team that bats second in ODIs: Historical data shows chasing teams win 23 out of 40 ODIs here — a significant edge.
- Include a spinner for Tests and longer ODIs: As the match progresses, spin becomes increasingly effective. A quality spinner can be a valuable differential pick from Day 3 of a Test.
- Check the toss result: Over 74% of T20I toss winners at Sabina Park have chosen to bowl. A captain who opts to bowl first is likely working with a game plan that exploits pitch and dew conditions.
- Weather watch: Afternoon sessions are most at risk. If you’re in a points-per-over format, back aggressive batters who score quickly in the first innings before any rain interruption.
Common Mistakes Fans & Analysts Make
- Assuming the pitch is still 1990s-fast: Sabina Park’s pitch was substantially altered after the 1998 abandonment controversy and subsequent relays. It is now markedly slower than its fearsome 1970s–1990s incarnation.
- Ignoring toss impact: The toss at Sabina Park has one of the strongest correlations with match outcome in the Caribbean, particularly in ODIs and T20Is.
- Overlooking the weather: Many analysts give insufficient weight to Kingston’s afternoon rain pattern, which can radically alter match dynamics through DLS calculations.
- Confusing ground capacity figures: Some sources cite 15,600 (pre-2007 figure) while others use 20,000 (current). The current official capacity is 20,000.
- Forgetting the end names: The ends are named Michael Holding End and Courtney Walsh End — frequently tested in cricket knowledge quizzes and fantasy apps.
Comparison: Sabina Park vs Other Caribbean Grounds
| Feature | Sabina Park (Kingston) | Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (Antigua) | Kensington Oval (Barbados) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 20,000 | ~10,000 | ~28,000 |
| First Test | 1930 | 2008 | 1930 |
| Pitch Type | Bouncy, pace-friendly | Flat, high-scoring | Pace-friendly, slight swing |
| Average ODI Score | ~229 | ~260 | ~250 |
| Famous for | Sobers’ 365*, Harmison’s 7/12 | Modern facilities | Lara’s 400*, iconic atmosphere |
| Toss Preference | Bowl first | Bat first | Bat first |
| 2026 WI vs SL | All white-ball games | Both Tests | Not in this series |
FAQs
What is the capacity of Sabina Park?
Sabina Park has a capacity of 20,000 after being expanded from 15,000 as part of renovations for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.
What is the pitch report for Sabina Park?
The Sabina Park pitch is generally pace-friendly with good bounce, favouring fast bowlers early in all formats. In Tests, spinners come into play from Day 3 onwards as the surface breaks up. Teams winning the toss typically choose to bowl first.
Where is Sabina Park located?
Sabina Park is located on South Camp Road, Kingston, Jamaica. It is the only Test cricket ground in Jamaica and sits approximately 20 km from Norman Manley International Airport.
What are the end names at Sabina Park?
The two ends at Sabina Park are the Michael Holding End and the Courtney Walsh End, both named after legendary Jamaican fast bowlers.
What is the highest individual score at Sabina Park?
Sir Garfield Sobers holds the record with 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958. This stood as the world record for the highest individual score in Test cricket for 36 years until Brian Lara broke it in 1994.
What is the lowest Test total at Sabina Park?
West Indies were bowled out for just 47 against England in January 2004. Steve Harmison took 7 wickets for 12 runs in a devastating spell, and England won the match by 10 wickets needing only 20 runs.
Who plays at Sabina Park in CPL 2026?
The Jamaica Kingsmen, a brand-new CPL franchise founded in 2026 and owned by Kingsmen Sports Enterprise, play their home games at Sabina Park. They represent the return of CPL cricket to Jamaica after a multi-year absence.
What matches are scheduled at Sabina Park in 2026?
All six white-ball matches of the West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 series (three ODIs and three T20Is, running from early to mid-June 2026) are scheduled at Sabina Park. The Jamaica Kingsmen will also play CPL home games there later in 2026.
Who has scored the most runs at Sabina Park in Test cricket?
Sir Garfield Sobers leads with 1,354 runs from 11 Test matches at an average of 104.15, including five centuries. Brian Lara is second with 1,112 runs from 12 matches at an average of 58.52.
Who has taken the most Test wickets at Sabina Park?
Courtney Walsh, the legendary Jamaican fast bowler, is the highest wicket-taker in Tests at Sabina Park with 48 wickets. The Courtney Walsh End at the ground is named in his honour.
Why Sabina Park, Kingston Stands Out
Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, is one of cricket’s most storied and significant venues. From Garfield Sobers’ world-record 365 not out in 1958, through the infamous 1998 pitch abandonment, to Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland’s record-breaking performance in July 2025, the ground has never been far from cricket’s defining moments.
In 2026, Sabina Park steps into an exciting new chapter. As host to all six West Indies vs Sri Lanka white-ball matches and the new home of CPL franchise Jamaica Kingsmen, the ground is as central to Caribbean cricket as it has ever been.
Whether you are a fantasy cricket player studying the pitch report, a cricket tourist planning your visit, or simply a fan who wants to understand the ground’s deep history, Sabina Park rewards every level of attention. It is, quite simply, irreplaceable.
