England’s hopes of sweeping the series against Pakistan were shattered in the final Test at Edgbaston when 21‑year‑old Razaullah produced a spectacular display of power hitting late on Friday. The young Pakistani all‑rounder smashed 81 runs from just 63 balls, striking the boundary nine times and matching Tim Southee’s debut record for sixes.
His innings rescued Pakistan from a precarious position and forced England into a chase of roughly 130 runs on the fourth day, a target far steeper than anyone had anticipated. The match had been dominated by England for most of the first two innings. Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in 33.5 overs, with Saud Shakeel (43) and Mohammad Abbas (21) contributing modestly, while England’s bowlers – Josh Tongue (4‑42), Ollie Robinson (3‑15) and Jofra Archer (3‑25) – enjoyed a tidy spell. England then piled up 453 in 89 overs, thanks to 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 Joe Root in his very first over. In the second innings, Pakistan posted a much more respectable total of 449, gaining a 129‑run lead. Shan Masood (95) and Babar Azam (76) laid a solid foundation, while Azan Awais added 59 before falling to a catching slip by Lawrence. Razaullah then took charge, unleashing a flurry of sixes that turned the tide.
After a measured start – 15 runs from the first 7.2 overs – Pakistan accelerated dramatically, adding 117 runs in the next 20 balls. Razaullah’s 81 came with nine towering sixes, a display that not only lifted Pakistan’s lead but also gave them a realistic chance of setting a defendable target. The English side, which had been in control for most of the series, appeared to lose its way in the final session. Their pace quartet, which had not enjoyed a sustained spell of success throughout the tour, finally found rhythm after the lunch break.
Gus Atkinson delivered an impressive eight‑over spell, claiming his second wicket of the series by dismissing Masood, who had been caught brilliantly by Lawrence in the slips. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue resorted to short‑ball tactics against Babar Azam. Despite warnings, Babar fell to a bouncer, caught behind by Tongue (2‑106).
Archer (1‑120) then dismissed Saud Shakeel (29) with another short‑ball that rose to short‑leg. Fielding also played a pivotal role. Jordan Cox took two spectacular catches behind the stumps, removing debutants Ghazi Ghori (16) and Mohammad Imran (4).
These dismissals highlighted England’s improving fielding standards, even as they struggled to contain Pakistan’s late‑order surge. Razaullah’s performance was remarkable not only for his batting but also for his impact with the ball. In the first innings he had already taken four wickets, including the prized wicket of England’s leading run‑scorer Joe Root. His all‑round display placed him among the most promising debutants of the series.
After his aggressive innings, he faced an LBW review against Lawrence that was overturned, only to be dismissed on the very next ball, ending the day’s play. Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket after his innings, Razaullah reflected on his 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 summed up the young star’s impact: “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 faces a modest chase of around 130 runs on day four.
While the target is within reach, the psychological momentum has shifted dramatically in Pakistan’s favour. The English batting line‑up will need to regroup quickly, manage the pressure of a potential series‑saving chase, and avoid the complacency that saw them relinquish control in the final session. The series thus remains open, with the final day poised to deliver a dramatic conclusion. Fans can watch the decisive moments live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10:15 am on Saturday, with streaming options available for those without a Sky subscription.
The outcome will determine whether England can still claim a historic home whitewash or if Pakistan will celebrate an unforgettable comeback, highlighted by the meteoric rise of a teenage debutant who turned a looming defeat into a thrilling contest.