21-year-old debutant Razaullah, batting at number nine on the third day of the Edgbaston Test against England, brought the Pakistani team back into the match with his aggressive batting. By the end of the third day’s play, Pakistan had scored 449 runs in their second innings, setting England a target of 130 runs to win.

ENG vs PAK: 21-year-old Razaullah wreaks havoc on debut, smashes nine sixes to turn match around, leaving England on the back foot

8 wickets down for 319: Razaullah storms again

At one point, Pakistan were heading towards an innings defeat after losing 8 wickets for just 319 runs in the second innings. England’s bowlers were poised to complete the match on the third day itself and clean sweep the series 3-0. However, Razaullah, playing his first Test, along with Mohammad Abbas, made a crucial partnership of 121 runs for the ninth wicket. Razaullah batted explosively at a strike rate of 128 and scored 81 runs in just 63 balls, which included 9 towering sixes. At the other end, Mohammad Abbas also made a crucial contribution of 42 runs.

After the veterans were out, the lower order took charge.

Pakistan began the third day at 52 for two. Top-order batsmen Babar Azam (76), Shan Masood (96), and Azan Awais (59) struck half-centuries to try and recover from the early setbacks. However, the fall of Babar Azam’s wicket completely crippled the middle order. England, having scored 453 in the first innings, bundled out Pakistan for just 133, taking a massive 320-run first-innings lead.

Match trend and equation for the fourth day

Pakistan were bowled out for 449 in their second innings, marking the end of play on Day 3. Recovering their first innings deficit, Pakistan now holds a 129-run overall lead over the hosts. While England’s target of 130 on Day 4 might have seemed a cakewalk, the pressure created on the Edgbaston pitch in the final session of Day 3 has turned the contest into a thrilling one.

“When I came out on the field, the team was in deep trouble. My goal was just to trust my instincts and hit the ball to its full potential.”
— Razaullah, Pakistani all-rounder/batsman (speaking to reporters after the match)