England’s hopes of sweeping the three‑match series against Pakistan were shattered in the final Test at Edgbaston when 21‑year‑old debutant Razaullah produced a breathtaking display of power hitting late on Friday. The youngster’s explosive 81 runs from just 63 balls, featuring nine sixes, not only rescued Pakistan from a precarious position but also forced England to chase a far steeper target on the fourth day. The match had been dominated by England for most of its duration.
In the first innings Pakistan were bowled out for a modest 133, with Saud Shakeel (43) and Mohammad Abbas (21) providing the bulk of the runs. England responded emphatically, compiling 453 thanks to a quartet of half‑centuries – Harry Brook (75), Jamie Smith (69), Dan Lawrence (65) and Emilio Gay (60) – while bowler Razaullah also chipped in with four wickets (4‑148). In the second innings Pakistan posted a much stronger total of 449, taking a lead of 129 runs.
Shan Masood (95) and Babar Azam (76) anchored the innings, while Razaullah, who had already impressed with the ball, unleashed a ferocious batting display. After Pakistan were 52‑2 at the start of the third day, the visitors seemed content to settle in, adding only 15 runs in the first 7.2 overs. The mood changed dramatically when Razaullah struck, hammering 117 runs in the next 20 balls and taking the score to a competitive 133‑3.
His on‑slaught included a flurry of sixes that left the crowd in awe and the English bowlers scrambling for answers. Razaullah’s partnership with Mohammad Abbas (who contributed 42 runs and struck two sixes before being dismissed) was worth 121 runs.
Their aggressive intent shifted the momentum, and even though Razaullah was eventually stumped by Dan Lawrence (2‑17), his innings had already set a daunting target for England. The final day now required the hosts to chase roughly 130 runs – a far more challenging proposition than the modest target they had initially anticipated.
The Pakistani side, despite a generally disappointing series, enjoyed what could be described as their finest day of cricket. Their bowlers, especially Razaullah, had shown promise earlier, taking key wickets including England’s leading run‑scorer Joe Root in his very first over.
Yet the batting department had struggled to convert starts into big scores, with both Masood and Babar missing out on centuries after being given golden opportunities. Masood’s dismissal came via a spectacular one‑handed catch by Dan Lawrence in the slips, while Babar fell to a short‑ball trap set by England at tea, a decision that left many pundits scratching their heads.
England’s pace attack, which had been relatively effective throughout the series, found the third day unusually taxing. Gus Atkinson’s eight‑over spell after lunch was a highlight, as he claimed his second wicket of the series by removing Masood, who had been the linchpin of Pakistan’s second‑innings total. Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue employed a mix of bouncers and short balls to keep the Pakistani batsmen on the back foot, eventually dismissing Babar and Saud Shakeel.
The drama intensified when Razaullah, after his spectacular batting display, faced an LBW review against Lawrence that was initially overturned. The decision was later reversed, and Razaullah was out on the very next ball, marking the final wicket of the day. Despite his dismissal, his impact on the match was undeniable.
In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Cricket, the young all‑rounder reflected on his innings: "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 summed up the sensation: "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." The fourth day promises a tense chase for England.
While the target of 130 may appear modest on paper, the psychological pressure of a collapsing series and the fear of a historic home whitewash will test the English batting line‑up. They will need to navigate a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack that, despite the setbacks, still possesses the ability to swing the ball and generate bounce. For fans eager 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 on NOW without a contract. The outcome of this final day will not only determine the series result but also shape the narrative around Pakistan’s emerging talents, particularly the meteoric rise of Razaullah, whose debut has already left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.