Razaullah fireworks, Babar-Masood backlash keep England waiting for Edgbaston win

England will need 130 runs to complete the series 3-0 after Pakistan debutant Razaullah produced a stunning counter-attack to breathe life into the third Test at Edgbaston on Friday. Pakistan looked set for another disappointing collapse despite recovering from their overnight position of 55-2. But the visitors put up much more resistance on day three, eventually reaching 449 to set England a target that could yet prove tricky.

But the biggest story was 21-year-old Razaullah. He batted at No. 9 on his Test debut and launched an extraordinary attack after Pakistan were 318-8. His 81 came at breathtaking speed, with a 43-ball half-century and nine sixes to match Ben Stokes’ record for the most in a Test innings in England.

Razaullah also equaled Tim Southee’s record for most sixes by a debutant in a Test innings. He shared a game-changing 121-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Muhammad Abbas, who contributed 42 and added to the late strike with two sixes of his own.

Earlier, Pakistan’s top order finally offered some resistance after being dominated for most of the series. Shan Masood and Azan Awais added 125 for the third wicket, with Awais 59 before falling to Dan Lawrence. Masood then combined with captain Babar Azam for another 89 runs.

Masood was unfortunate to miss out on a century when he was dismissed for 95 after a spectacular one-handed catch by Lawrence at gully. Babar played fluently for 76 but was ultimately undone by England’s short-ball strategy and fell to bouncer Josh Tongue.

His dismissal triggered a brief collapse, with Pakistan losing four wickets for 40 runs. England looked to be firmly in control again, only for Razaullah and Abbas to turn the match on its head.

England’s bowlers were disciplined for most of the day but their plans fell apart against Pakistan’s lower order. Razaullah hit Atkinson for three sixes in the over and later sent Jofra Archer over his head twice in quick succession. As the partnership grew, the England attack looked increasingly frustrated and without answers.

Abbas eventually fell while attempting another aggressive stroke while Razaullah’s remarkable innings came to an end when he was bowled by Lawrence in the closing stages. By then, however, he had turned Pakistan’s fortunes around and provided the Edgbaston crowd with one of the most entertaining passages of the series.

Pakistan managed just 133 in their first innings and were reduced to 0-2 in the second, making Friday’s struggle all the more remarkable. It was their best batting of the tour and ensured that the match stretched into Saturday.

England remain favorites to complete a clean sweep, but they were given plenty to think about by Pakistan’s dramatic resistance after a series in which their attack and tactics were rarely seriously tested. What looked like a routine finish could now make for an interesting final day.

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Published on:

12 Sep 2026 0:05 AM IST