Pakistan made a stunning turnaround on day three of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston on Friday, with youngster Razaullah helping his struggling side following a sensational 81 off 63 balls. With Pakistan staring at a massive first-innings deficit, their lower-order batters survived the pressure, attacking England with extraordinary freedom, led by debutant No. 9 batter Razaullah. Pakistan were bowled out for 449 in the final over of the day, but their fightback helped them get rid of a 320-run first-innings deficit and gave them a 129-run lead, setting England a target of 130.
Earlier, Shan Masood missed out on a century, blasting 95. Captain Babar Azam scored a fiery 76-run knock, while opener Azan Awais also made an important 59. Meanwhile, the most entertaining knock came from Razaullah, who, coming out at No. 9, unleashed a barrage of sixes, making things utterly difficult for Pakistan. He got to his half-century off 43 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest Test fifty by a Pakistani player on debut.
The previous record belonged to Faheem Ashraf, who had taken 52 balls to reach fifty against Ireland in 2018. His innings featured nine sixes that put him on level with England captain Ben Stokes for the most sixes in a Test innings in England. Stokes had struck nine during the 2023 Ashes at Lord's. Now, England will head into day four, looking to chase the target, while Pakistan would hope to claim a win and end the tour on a positive note.