England’s hopes of wrapping up a series whitewash against Pakistan within three days were shattered on the final day at Edgbaston when 21‑year‑old Razaullah produced a spectacular display of power hitting. The young Pakistani all‑rounder unleashed an innings of 81 runs from just 63 balls, striking nine sixes and matching Tim Southee’s debut record for sixes in a first‑class debut. His explosive cameo, combined with a crucial partnership, turned what had been a bleak series for Pakistan into a brief, bright interlude, leaving England with a modest target of 130 runs to chase on the final day.
The match had been dominated by England for most of its course. In the first innings Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in 33.5 overs, with Saud Shakeel contributing 43 and Mohammad Abbas 21, while the English bowlers shared the wickets – Josh Tongue (4‑42), Ollie Robinson (3‑15) and Jofra Archer (3‑25). England responded strongly, compiling 453 runs in 89 overs.
The top‑order featured a quartet of half‑centuries: Harry Brook (75), Jamie Smith (69), Dan Lawrence (65) and Emilio Gay (60), with Ollie Robinson adding a quick 50. Razaullah, making his debut with the ball, claimed four wickets for 148 runs, including the prized scalp of England’s leading run‑scorer Joe Root.
In the second innings Pakistan posted 449, gaining a 129‑run lead. Shan Masood (95), Razaullah (81), Babar Azam (76) and Azan Awais (59) built the total, while England’s Gus Atkinson took three wickets for 109 runs. Both Masood and Babar missed chances to convert their fifties into centuries, the former falling to a spectacular catch by Dan Lawrence in the slips, and the latter succumbing to a short‑ball trap set by England just after tea. When Pakistan’s eighth wicket fell early in the evening session, the visitors seemed poised to collapse again.
However, Razaullah stepped in and, with a flurry of boundaries, turned the tide. He smashed nine sixes, a feat that equaled the debut record held by Southee, and drove the score past the 200‑run mark in a 121‑run partnership with Mohammad Abbas, who contributed a quick 42 before being dismissed. Razaullah’s innings was finally halted when he was stumped off Dan Lawrence’s bowling, ending the day’s play.
The third day’s narrative shifted dramatically after a slow start. England’s pace quartet – Tongue, Atkinson, Archer and Robinson – had struggled to make inroads, but after lunch Atkinson produced an eight‑over spell that yielded his second wicket of the series, dismissing Masood. Meanwhile, England’s bowlers targeted Babar Azam with a barrage of short deliveries; Tongue eventually claimed him, while Archer removed Saud Shakeel shortly after tea. Pakistan’s third debutant, Razaullah, had already impressed with the ball, taking four wickets in the first innings, including the prized wicket of Joe Root with his very first delivery.
His batting heroics added another layer to his debut performance, pushing Pakistan’s lead to 129 runs. The innings also featured drama: an lbw appeal against Lawrence was overturned on review, only for Razaullah to be dismissed on the very next ball, marking the final wicket of the day. In post‑match comments to Sky Sports Cricket, Razaullah reflected on his aggressive approach: “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 praised the youngster, describing his performance as “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, receives his baggy green, dismisses Joe Root with his first ball, takes four wickets on debut and then blasts 81 with nine sixes – the whole of Edgbaston and Pakistan were on their feet. He arrived with no baggage, bringing the spark, energy and exuberance of youth that any side craves.
He smiled, never seemed overwhelmed, and seemed to believe in himself. If anyone is betting, after today it feels as if a dimming light has been reignited. Razaullah gives Pakistan a point of difference with his pace and flair, and they’ll have to believe in it.” England, having lost focus in the final session, now face a modest chase of 130 runs on day four.
While the target is far lower than originally anticipated, the visitors must still summon composure to secure what would be a historic home series whitewash over Pakistan. The final day promises a tense finish, with both sides aware that a single partnership or a burst of disciplined bowling could decide the series outcome. Fans can watch the concluding day of the third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10:15 am on Saturday, with streaming options available for those without a Sky subscription.