England’s hopes of sweeping the series against Pakistan in just three days were shattered by an extraordinary innings from 21‑year‑old Razaullah, whose six‑hitting on Friday night turned the match on its head. Pakistan, who had enjoyed their best day of an otherwise bleak series, were still two wickets down early in the evening session when Razaullah stormed in, blasting 81 runs from only 63 balls. His assault produced nine sixes, tying the debut record set by Tim Southee, and propelled Pakistan to a commanding position.

The young all‑rounder forged a 121‑run partnership with Mohammad Abbas, who contributed a quickfire 42 before being dismissed with a well‑timed point off Josh Tongue in the final overs. Razaullah’s fireworks were eventually halted when he was stumped off Dan Lawrence’s spell (2‑17), ending the day’s play.

England, having lost their way in the final session, now face a target of 130 on the fourth day – a far steeper chase than initially anticipated, but still within reach if they can muster a disciplined response. Achieving this would secure a historic home series whitewash over Pakistan. **First innings figures** - Pakistan 133 all out in 33.5 overs (batting first): Saud Shakeel 43, Mohammad Abbas 21; Josh Tongue 4‑42, Ollie Robinson 3‑15, Jofra Archer 3‑25.

- England 453 all out in 89 overs: Harry Brook 75, Jamie Smith 69, Dan Lawrence 65, Emilio Gay 60, Ollie Robinson 50; Razaullah 4‑148. **Second innings figures** - Pakistan 449 all out in 96.4 overs, leading by 129: Shan Masood 95, Razaullah 81 (63 balls), Babar Azam 76, Azan Awais 59; Gus Atkinson 3‑109. Both Shan Masood and Babar Azam missed chances to notch the series’ first century.

Masood fell to a spectacular one‑handed diving catch by Lawrence in the slips, while Babar was undone by a short‑ball trap set by England at tea, a dismissal that left many scratching their heads. After Pakistan’s collapse of four wickets for 40 runs, Razaullah’s aggressive batting revived the innings, pushing the total into a fourth‑day scenario.

The visitors began the third morning at 52‑2, with a cautious 15 runs from the first 7.2 overs. Then the tempo exploded: they rattled off 117 runs in the next 20 balls, only losing Azan Awais (59) to a fine edge caught behind by Lawrence. England’s four‑man pace attack, which had struggled to make an impact throughout the series, found a glimmer of life after lunch.

Gus Atkinson delivered a potent eight‑over spell, claiming his second wicket of the series by dismissing Masood, who was caught brilliantly by Lawrence in the slips. Babar Azam, poised for his first Test hundred in almost four years, fell to a well‑executed short‑ball strategy from Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.

Tongue’s 2‑106 included the crucial wicket of Babar, who gloved a delivery behind, while Archer’s 1‑120 saw him remove Saud Shakeel (29) with another short‑ball that was only managed as a defensive flick to short‑leg. Jordan Cox contributed two spectacular catches behind the stumps, dismissing debutants Ghazi Ghori (16) and Mohammad Imran (4) as Atkinson (3‑109) exploited both inside and outside edges.

Razaullah, already impressive with the ball—having taken four first‑innings wickets, including England’s top scorer Joe Root on his very first over—now showcased his batting prowess, pushing Pakistan into a 129‑run lead. The drama peaked when an lbw appeal against Lawrence was overturned on review, only for Razaullah to be dismissed on the very next ball, ending the day’s action.

**Razaullah’s post‑innings remarks to Sky Sports Cricket** "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 on Razaullah’s debut** "That was simply sensational – a perfectly written first chapter of his Test career. All that passion, the flair of Pakistan cricket.

A 21‑year‑old who wasn’t even on the squad list gets on the plane, receives his baggy green, takes Joe Root’s wicket, claims a four‑for on debut, and then scores 81 with nine sixes – the whole of Edgbaston was on its feet. He arrived with no baggage, bringing the spark, energy and exuberance of youth we love to see. He smiled, never looked overwhelmed, and seemed to believe in himself. If anyone is betting, today’s performance reignites hope.

Razaullah gives Pakistan a new dimension with his pace, and they will have to believe in that. The match will continue on day four, with England needing to chase 130 for victory. The contest promises further excitement as both sides seek to end the series on a high note.

Viewers can watch the live coverage on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.15 am on Saturday, with streaming options available for those without a Sky subscription.