England’s hopes of wrapping up a series whitewash against Pakistan in just three days were shattered by a spectacular late‑day onslaught from 21‑year‑old Razaullah. The young Pakistani all‑rounder turned the tide on Friday evening, unleashing a flurry of sixes that not only rescued his side from a precarious position but also forced England into a far more challenging chase on the final day. The match at Edgbaston had been dominated by England for most of the first two innings, but Pakistan managed to post a respectable first‑innings total of 133, all out in 33.5 overs, thanks to contributions from Saud Shakeel (43) and Mohammad Abbas (21).
England replied emphatically, compiling 453 runs in 89 overs, highlighted by a quartet of half‑centuries from Harry Brook (75), Jamie Smith (69), Dan Lawrence (65) and Emilio Gay (60), with Ollie Robinson adding a quick 50. Razaullah, who had already made an impact with the ball by taking four wickets—including the prized scalp of Joe Root—finished with figures of 4‑148.
In the second innings, Pakistan built a solid lead of 129 runs, posting 449 all out in 96.4 overs. Shan Masood (95) and Babar Azam (76) laid the foundation, while Azan Awais contributed 59. Razaullah, however, was the star of the show.
Coming in at a critical juncture with the team at 52‑2, he launched an aggressive assault, scoring 81 runs off just 63 balls. His innings featured nine towering sixes, a feat that matched Tim Southee’s debut record for the most sixes in a first Test. The partnership with Mohammad Abbas (42) added 121 runs, and Abbas himself struck two sixes before being dismissed by a sharp point catch off Josh Tongue.
Razaullah’s fireworks continued until he was stumped off Dan Lawrence’s bowling (2‑17), bringing the day’s play to a close. His explosive display not only erased the deficit but also left England with a target of 130 runs to chase on the fourth day—far steeper than the modest chase many had anticipated. Despite the daunting requirement, England still retained a realistic chance of securing a historic home series whitewash against Pakistan. The innings was punctuated by several notable moments.
Masood, after a promising start, fell to a spectacular catch by Lawrence in the slips—a one‑handed, diving low catch that highlighted England’s fielding prowess. Babar’s dismissal was equally dramatic; the captain walked into a short‑ball trap set by England at tea, a misjudgment that cost Pakistan a potential century. Yet, the real drama unfolded when Razaullah, after an lbw appeal was overturned on review, was dismissed on the very next delivery, ending the day’s action. England’s pace quartet—Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Ollie Robinson—had struggled to make inroads throughout the series, but they showed signs of life after the lunch interval on the third day.
Atkinson’s eight‑over spell was particularly effective, claiming his second wicket of the series by removing Masood. Archer and Tongue turned to short‑ball tactics to unsettle Babar, ultimately securing his wicket; Tongue finished with figures of 2‑106, while Archer added 1‑120, also dismissing Saud Shakeel (29) shortly after tea.
Fielding heroics continued as Jordan Cox took two stunning catches behind the stumps, dismissing debutants Ghazi Ghori (16) and Mohammad Imran (4). These catches underscored England’s renewed intensity in the field, a factor that had been missing in earlier matches.
Razaullah’s performance was a revelation on multiple fronts. Not only did he claim four first‑innings wickets—including the prized wicket of England’s leading run‑scorer Joe Root in his very first over—but he also delivered a batting masterclass that propelled Pakistan into a commanding position. In post‑match interviews with Sky Sports Cricket, the young star expressed pure enjoyment of his role: “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.” Sky Sports commentator Urooj Mumtaz praised the debutant, calling his performance “simply sensational” and likening it to a perfect opening chapter of a Test career. She highlighted his composure, noting that despite being a newcomer who arrived just days before, he displayed the flair and confidence of a seasoned professional. “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,” she said.
Looking ahead, England will need to regroup quickly for the final day. The target of 130, while achievable, will require disciplined batting against a revitalised Pakistani attack that now includes a bowler who can also dominate with the bat.
The outcome of the fourth day will determine whether England can claim a historic home series sweep or whether Pakistan’s resurgence, sparked by Razaullah’s heroics, will force a more respectable series result. Fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports Cricket, with day‑four coverage beginning at 10:15 am on Saturday.
For those without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW with various deals and contract‑free packages. The match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a series that has delivered both disappointment and exhilarating moments, epitomised by the young all‑rounder’s unforgettable 81‑run blitz.