Pakistan’s 21‑year‑old debutant Razaullah Khan produced a stunning counter‑attacking innings at Edgbaston on Day 3, turning a potential straightforward defeat into a competitive finish.
Batting at number nine, Khan smashed 81 runs off 63 balls, including nine sixes, matching two notable records held by New Zealand’s Tim Southee and England’s Ben Stokes.
His aggressive knock not only gave Pakistan a crucial lift but also marked a memorable debut for the young batsman.
Razaullah Khan Equals Tim Southee’s Test Debut Record
Khan’s nine sixes level him with Southee for the most sixes hit by a batter on men’s Test debut. Southee had set the benchmark against England in Napier in 2008, blasting an unbeaten 77 off just 40 balls while clearing the boundary nine times.
More than a decade later, Khan replicated the feat on English soil, showcasing an attacking style that stunned an established England bowling attack.
Razaullah Matches Ben Stokes’ Record in England
The Pakistani prodigy also equalled another striking record. His nine sixes matched Stokes’ mark for the most sixes in a single Test innings on English soil, set during the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s.
Thus, Khan joined two distinct Test personalities—Southee and Stokes—in the record books on the same afternoon.
How Razaullah Rescued Pakistan from an Innings Defeat
Pakistan looked set for an innings loss after trailing by 320 runs in the first innings. The eighth wicket fell at 318, leaving the tailenders with an enormous task as England’s seamers dominated. Razaullah Khan, who came in with Mohammad Abbas, chose to attack.
His first six was particularly pivotal, propelling Pakistan beyond England’s first‑innings total and handing the visitors a lead. From there, the youngster showed little interest in mere survival.
Fast‑bowling all‑rounder Gus Atkinson came under immediate pressure as Khan struck him with remarkable freedom. The debutant cleared three sixes in a single over, sending the England attack on the back foot.
He soon reached his maiden Test half‑century from just 43 deliveries, celebrating the milestone with another six, this time off Jofra Archer.
Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas Produce Record Ninth‑Wicket Stand
The counter‑attack gained further significance when Mohammad Abbas joined Khan in an extraordinary partnership. The pair added 121 runs from just 123 balls for Pakistan’s ninth wicket.
Abbas contributed a career‑best 42 off 60 balls, including two sixes and five fours.
The stand became the fastest century partnership for the ninth wicket in Pakistan’s Test history, turning what promised to be an early finish into a genuine contest. Khan’s innings ended when he was stumped off Shoaib Bashir.
He walked back having scored 81 from 63 balls, with nine sixes and a fearless approach that transformed the atmosphere at Edgbaston.
All 8 sixes of Razaullah Today pic.twitter.com/3rsxElqoxw
— Jered William Jr. (@Jeredwilliam) September 11, 2026
Pakistan Set England 130‑Run Target in Edgbaston Test
Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 449 in the final over of Day 3. After trailing by 320 runs at the start of their second innings, the visitors overturned the deficit to take a 129‑run lead, leaving England with a target of 130.
Shan Masood provided a substantial contribution of 95, while Babar Azam scored 76 and opener Azan Awais added 59. However, it was Razaullah’s extraordinary late assault that turned the innings.
England will now resume on Day 4 needing 130 runs to complete a 3‑0 series sweep. What had seemed a one‑sided contest has gained an unexpected twist, largely due to a 21‑year‑old debutant who chose aggression over defence.
Also Read
- College Football Week 2 Clash: Illinois vs. Duke – Matchup, Bets & Preview
- Sources: Liverpool and Aston Villa monitor exciting Italian midfielder
- U.S. Open 2026 Women’s Final: Sabalenka and Rybakina Collide for Championship Title
- MotoGP’s Cautious Comeback Culture: How Modern Racing Demands Full Recovery Over Heroic Returns