Razaullah's Dream Debut Turns Into a Sensation! Pakistan's Tail Stuns England at Edgbaston
Pakistan looked destined for another heavy defeat at Edgbaston after being bowled out for just 133 in their first innings and then watching England pile up 453. But Day 3 produced a remarkable turnaround, with Pakistan recovering from a precarious position to reach 449 all out.
At the centre of that extraordinary fightback was Test debutant Razaullah. After making an impact with the ball earlier in the match, the young fast bowler produced a sensational innings with the bat, smashing 81 runs from just 63 balls.
Razaullah Turns a Dream Debut Into Something Special
Razaullah's Test debut had already been memorable before he walked out to bat on Day 3. The debutant had taken 4 wickets for 148 runs during England's first innings, including the prized wicket of Joe Root.
But his biggest contribution was still to come.
With Pakistan's innings in danger of collapsing after losing wickets through the middle order, Razaullah attacked England's bowling with remarkable confidence. His aggressive strokeplay repeatedly put the pressure back on the home side.
The 21-year-old eventually finished with 81 from 63 deliveries, turning what could have been another disappointing Pakistan innings into one of the most memorable lower-order fightbacks of the series.
Razaullah and Abbas Produce a 121-Run Ninth-Wicket Miracle
The defining partnership of Pakistan's fightback came from Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas. With Pakistan still in serious trouble, the pair produced a stunning 121-run ninth-wicket partnership that completely changed the complexion of the match.
Abbas played the supporting role brilliantly, scoring 42 off 67 balls, while Razaullah continued to attack England's bowlers. Their partnership took Pakistan all the way to 439/9 before Abbas was finally dismissed.
Abbas Joins Razaullah in Stunning England Fightback
Razaullah was not alone in dragging Pakistan back into the contest. Mohammad Abbas scored 42 from 67 balls, producing a career-best contribution that complemented Razaullah's attacking approach.
The pair put together a remarkable ninth-wicket partnership and kept England's bowlers waiting for the breakthrough. Abbas mixed controlled defence with aggressive strokes, while Razaullah repeatedly attacked whenever the bowlers offered him room.
The partnership eventually ended when Abbas was dismissed for 42, but the damage had already been done. Pakistan had transformed a seemingly hopeless position into a competitive fourth-innings target.
Pakistan Recover From 133 All Out
The scale of Pakistan's recovery is what makes the Day 3 story so remarkable.
Pakistan were dismissed for only 133 in their first innings, allowing England to establish a commanding position. England then reached 453 all out, leaving Pakistan facing a huge deficit and the prospect of another straightforward defeat.
Instead, Pakistan's second innings produced a completely different response. Their batters fought through England's attack, and the lower order eventually pushed the score to 449.
After the early collapse, Shan Masood, Azan Awais, and Babar Azam provided the platform with Masood missing a fighting century by just 5 runs, Azam scored 76, and Awais made 59 runs.
Razaullah's innings provided the dramatic finish, with his 81 coming at a strike rate of more than 128. His attacking approach gave Pakistan the momentum they desperately needed.
Razaullah Equals Test Record With Nine Sixes
Razaullah's innings was not just valuable — it was explosive. His 81 came from only 63 balls and included an extraordinary nine sixes.
Those nine sixes saw Razaullah equal the record for the most sixes in a Test innings in England, matching the mark previously set by Ben Stokes. He also equalled Tim Southee's record of most sixes inan innings on Test debut. For a player making his Test debut, it was an extraordinary display of attacking batting.
The numbers tell the story of Pakistan's extraordinary recovery. After being bowled out for 133 in their first innings, they were rescued by a remarkable lower-order assault. The 121-run ninth-wicket stand, Razaullah's 81 off 63 and his nine sixes ensured Pakistan finished on 449 — only four runs short of England's first-innings 453.
England Now Need 130 to Win
Pakistan's innings finally ended at 449, leaving England with a target of 130 runs to win the third Test.
That target is still modest by Test standards, but the context is completely different from what it looked like earlier in the match. England had been firmly in control after Pakistan's first-innings collapse and their own 453.
Pakistan's astonishing second-innings recovery has at least forced England to bat again and given the visitors something to defend on the fourth day.
For Razaullah, meanwhile, the debut has already become extraordinary. Four wickets with the ball and 81 explosive runs with the bat have turned him into the central figure of Pakistan's unexpected resistance at Edgbaston.
What Happens on Day 4?
England will return needing 130 runs for victory, while Pakistan will need 10 wickets to complete one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the series.
After being bowled out for 133 earlier in the match, Pakistan have given themselves another opportunity through an extraordinary lower-order fightback. Whether that is enough to seriously trouble England remains to be seen, but Day 3 has completely changed the mood around the Test.