Razaullah gets grand welcome in Islamabad after impressive debut on England tour: Watch
Pakistan’s 21-year-old Razaullah was given a hero’s welcome in Islamabad after returning home from a memorable England tour in which he made a stunning impact on his Test debut.
Family members, friends and cricket fans gathered at the airport to welcome the youngster whose breakthrough performance at Edgbaston firmly established him as one of Pakistan’s emerging cricketing talents.
Razaullah’s impressive show provided a rare bright spot for Pakistan on a difficult tour, with the visitors eventually suffering a 0-3 series defeat against England.
The youngster’s arrival comes after a Test debut in which he impressed with both bat and ball, producing the kind of performance that can quickly change the trajectory of a young player’s career.
THE STAR TURNS IN EDGBASTON
Razaullah’s first Test appearance could not have started better. He removed England’s Joe Root with his fourth delivery, giving the debutant a prized wicket almost immediately.
However, it was the bat that really caught the attention.
Razaullah came in at number 9 with Pakistan in a difficult position and unleashed an aggressive counter-attack with a score of 81. He brought up his first Test half-century in just 43 balls, with a six.
His innings included nine sixes, equaling Ben Stokes’ record for most sixes in a Test innings in England. He also equaled Tim Southee’s mark for most sixes by a Test debutant in an innings.
Razaullah’s innings was particularly valuable given Pakistan’s precarious position. After being bowled out for 133 in their first innings, they again struggled at 0-2 in the second before fighting back.
He played a key role in that recovery along with Mohammad Abbas, with the pair putting on 121 runs for the eighth wicket. Abbas made 42 while Razaullah continued to attack England’s bowlers and helped ensure that Pakistan would bat deep into the match.
His innings ended on 81 when he was bowled by Lawrence, falling short of what would have been a remarkable century on debut.
A BRIGHT DOT IN A WHITE SPOT
Razaullah’s emergence was all the more striking as he was given the opportunity during a period of great upheaval for Pakistan.
He was one of three players to earn their first Test caps at Edgbaston, along with wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori and Mohammad Imran. Pakistan made significant changes to their squad after the defeat at Lord’s, sending seven players home.
There were also changes in the coaching staff, with Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul losing their positions after the second Test.
In the end, Pakistan didn’t have much to celebrate from the series as they finished 0-3 against England. However, Razaullah emerged from the campaign with a significantly enhanced reputation.
His performance at Edgbaston offered Pakistan a glimpse of what could be a valuable young prospect for the future. From an uncapped player entering a disrupted team to a Test debutant dismissing Root and smashing 81, Razaullah’s tour of England has given Pakistan another young name to watch closely.
The warm welcome in Islamabad reflected that sense of optimism, with supporters celebrating one of the few individual positives to emerge from a disappointing tour.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
15 Sep 2026 15:10 IST