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“For a while in a career I was the water boy and things weren't happening for me, but this result goes to show what can happen when you have faith in yourself and when those around you give you the support,” Ravi Rampaul said. -Photo by AFP

West Indies’ first test win in over two years against a Pakistan side that looked miles ahead on paper was cause for celebration throughout the Caribbean but was particularly special to some who were part of the Guyana match.

While it added weight to Darren Sammy’s credentials as a leader and put paid to talk of him being a rubbish player, it provided the perfect debut for spinner Devendra Bishoo.

Twenty-five-year-old Bishoo celebrated the 40-run win over Pakistan with his family, who were on hand to see the fourth day's play at the Guyana National Stadium.

“This is a feeling I can't explain. I can't find the words to describe how I feel right now. Before today, the West Indies had not won a Test match for over two years and to come in my first match, in front my home crowd, with mum in the stands watching, is truly special,” the diminutive leg-spinner, who has become Pakistan’s biggest challenge on their tour so far, said in an interview to local media.

Bishoo grabbed four wickets in the first innings and also batted with great concentration in a last-wicket stand with Shivnarine Chanderpaul in West Indies’ second innings. It was instrumental in setting up the win but the man of the match award went to skipper Darren Sammy, who took seven wickets for 45 runs in the test.

“This is a great start to my career. I could not have asked for better. From here I have to kick on and continue to get better and do better for West Indies cricket,” Bishoo added.

Fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, making a test comeback of sorts, was superb throughout the match and ended with seven wickets in the match. For him the win was a major boost to his career as he also picked a best of 4/48. The 26-year-old, who was playing only his sixth Test since making a debut in 2009, thanked everyone who supported him.

“I want to thank all the members of the team for believing in me. I want to say thanks to the people who supported me and all the fans who backed me. For a while in a career I was the water boy and things weren't happening for me, but this result goes to show what can happen when you have faith in yourself and when those around you give you the support,” he said.

Captain Sammy attributed his team’s success to ‘self-belief’ even with the lack of resources.

“Lately, things hadn't been going well but I had the belief, this team had the belief. This is what West Indies cricket is about,” he proudly said.

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