England’s hopes of wrapping up a series whitewash against Pakistan were shattered in dramatic fashion during the final Test at Edgbaston, thanks to an extraordinary late‑day onslaught by 21‑year‑old Razaullah. The young Pakistani all‑rounder turned the tide on Friday evening, striking 81 runs from just 63 balls and sending the ball over the boundary nine times – a feat that matched Tim Southee’s debut record for sixes. His explosive innings, combined with a vital partnership with Mohammad Abbas, ensured Pakistan finished the day with a 129‑run lead, leaving England with a steep chase on the final day. The match had unfolded as a one‑sided affair for England up to that point.
After Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in 33.5 overs in the first innings, England responded robustly, compiling 453 runs thanks to half‑centuries from Harry Brook (75), Jamie Smith (69), Dan Lawrence (65), Emilio Gay (60) and Ollie Robinson (50). Razaullah contributed with the ball as well, taking four wickets for 148 runs, including the prized scalp of Joe Root in his very first over. In Pakistan’s second innings, they posted 449, taking a 129‑run lead thanks largely to Shan Masood’s 95, Babar Azam’s 76 and Razaullah’s blistering 81.
Razaullah’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting. After Pakistan found themselves 52‑2 at the start of the third day, the visitors seemed content to settle in, adding a modest 15 runs in the first 7.2 overs. The momentum shifted dramatically when Razaullah unleashed a torrent of power hitting, scoring 117 runs in the next 20 deliveries. His on‑slaught included nine sixes, each one echoing around Edgbaston and igniting the Pakistani bench.
The only blemish on his aggressive display was the dismissal of Azan Awais (59), who edged a delivery from Dan Lawrence down the leg side. England’s four‑man pace attack, which had struggled to make inroads throughout the series, finally found some rhythm after the lunch break.
Gus Atkinson, in particular, delivered an eight‑over spell that yielded his second wicket of the series, dismissing Masood with a catch taken by Lawrence in the slips. Babar Azam, who had been poised for a maiden Test century in almost four years, fell victim to a short‑ball strategy employed by Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue. Tongue eventually claimed Babar’s wicket for 2‑106, while Archer removed Saud Shakeel (29) shortly after tea with another well‑timed short ball. The day also featured several spectacular fielding moments.
Jordan Cox produced two stunning catches behind the stumps, dismissing debutants Ghazi Ghori (16) and Mohammad Imran (4). These efforts underscored England’s renewed vigor in the field, even as the batting side struggled to contain the Pakistani resurgence. Razaullah’s performance was not limited to his batting heroics.
Earlier in the match, he had already impressed with the ball, taking four wickets in England’s first innings, including the prized wicket of Joe Root. His all‑round display – four wickets and a rapid 81‑run blitz – placed him firmly in the spotlight as one of the most exciting debutants of the series.
When asked by Sky Sports Cricket about his explosive innings, Razaullah said, “I just had to bat, you are the ones who got to enjoy it. I was planning to take it longer and deeper – 81 runs is not bad though.
I was just trying to provide support for the other batters and trying to take it as deep as possible. There was no point at which I didn’t enjoy it or when I was scared. I won’t give any messages to the batters – they can do their bit – but I really, really enjoyed it. I was wanting the strike, and overall I wanted to keep the strike as long as possible to get Pakistan another day.” Urooj Mumtaz of Sky Sports Cricket praised the youngster, noting, “That was simply sensational.
A perfectly written first chapter of his Test career. All that passion, the flair of Pakistan cricket. One 21‑year‑old who wasn’t even on the squad list gets on the plane and gets his baggy green – Joe Root is his first Test wicket, a four‑for on debut, and then 81 with nine sixes – all of Edgbaston and all of Pakistan were on their feet. He’s come off the plane and has absolutely no baggage.
That’s the spark, the energy, the exuberance of youth that you are looking for. There was a smile on his face and he was not overwhelmed by the occasion. He didn’t look in awe of it – he almost looked like he believed. If anyone is a betting person, after what’s happened today, it’s almost like that dimming light has been ignited again.
You never know. Razaullah provides Pakistan a point of difference with pace, and they’ll have to believe.” England, now facing a target of 130 on the fourth day, must regroup quickly. While the required total is modest compared to the original forecast, the psychological pressure of chasing after such a dramatic reversal will be significant. A successful chase would still secure England’s first ever home series whitewash over Pakistan, but the momentum has clearly shifted in Pakistan’s favour.
The match statistics highlight the ebb and flow of the contest: - Pakistan 1st innings: 133 all out (33.5 overs) – top scores: Saud Shakeel 43, Mohammad Abbas 21; England bowlers: Josh Tongue 4‑42, Ollie Robinson 3‑15, Jofra Archer 3‑25. - England 1st innings: 453 all out (89 overs) – top scores: Harry Brook 75, Jamie Smith 69, Dan Lawrence 65, Emilio Gay 60, Ollie Robinson 50; Pakistan bowler: Razaullah 4‑148.
- Pakistan 2nd innings: 449 all out (96.4 overs) – top scores: Shan Masood 95, Razaullah 81 (63 balls), Babar Azam 76, Azan Awais 59; England bowler: Gus Atkinson 3‑109. - England 2nd innings target: 130.
The final day promises a tense finish. England will need to balance aggression with caution, ensuring they do not repeat the reckless batting that allowed Razaullah to dominate. Meanwhile, Pakistan will aim to defend their lead, possibly employing short‑ball tactics that proved effective against Babar Azam earlier. For viewers wishing to follow the climax, day four of the third Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10:15 am on Saturday.
Those without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the match via NOW without a contract. In summary, Razaullah’s debut has been nothing short of spectacular – a six‑hitting display that not only rescued Pakistan from a precarious position but also injected excitement into a series that had otherwise been dominated by England. His performance will be remembered as a defining moment of the tour, and it sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion on the final day.