Pakistan delivered their most compelling and spirited performance of the tour on Friday, orchestrating a dramatic shift in momentum at Edgbaston. By the close of the third day, the visitors had posted 449—their highest total of the series—effectively wiping out a daunting 320-run first-innings deficit. This remarkable recovery ensures the Test will extend into a fourth day, with England requiring 130 runs to secure victory.
A Steady Morning Foundation
The day began with overnight batters Azan Awais and Shan Masood navigating a challenging spell from Jofra Archer, who utilized short-pitched tactics to pressure the pair. While Gus Atkinson and Archer maintained tight lines, Josh Tongue offered more scoring opportunities. Both batters successfully reached their half-centuries, providing the stability needed to chip away at the massive deficit. However, the partnership concluded unexpectedly when Dan Lawrence was introduced to the attack; a faint edge down the leg side, confirmed by a successful DRS review initiated by Joe Root, ended the stand.
Middle-Order Resilience and the Short-Ball Trap
Shan Masood continued to anchor the innings, finding a reliable partner in captain Babar Azam. The duo put together a composed 89-run partnership, demonstrating excellent application against the English bowling attack. Masood’s impressive knock eventually ended at 95, caught by a sharp, one-handed effort from Lawrence at gully. Babar looked set for a significant score but eventually succumbed to England’s aggressive short-ball strategy, falling to a leg-side delivery from Tongue. Saud Shakeel also fell to the same tactical ploy, gloving a delivery to short leg, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position heading into the final session.
Razaullah’s Explosive Debut
Entering the final session trailing by 23 runs with only five wickets remaining, Pakistan’s prospects appeared dim as England claimed three quick scalps. Yet, 21-year-old debutant Razaullah ignited a stunning counter-offensive. He smashed nine sixes—a record for a debutant—during an explosive 81-run innings off just 63 balls. His aggression was infectious, particularly when he struck Gus Atkinson for three consecutive sixes in a single over. Supported by Mohammad Abbas, who provided crucial stability, Razaullah helped forge a 121-run ninth-wicket partnership that pushed Pakistan into a 119-run lead.
Match Summary
- Pakistan 1st Innings: 133 (Saud Shakeel 43; Josh Tongue 4-42)
- England 1st Innings: 453 (Harry Brook 75; Razaullah 4-148)
- Pakistan 2nd Innings: 449 (Shan Masood 95, Razaullah 81, Babar Azam 76; Gus Atkinson 3-109, Dan Lawrence 2-17)
- Target: England needs 130 runs to win on day four.
The partnership finally broke when Abbas fell to Tongue for 42. Razaullah added ten further runs before becoming Lawrence’s second victim, marking the end of a historic innings that has left the match delicately poised for a thrilling conclusion. The report also notes that and the last batter to be dismissed, razaullah added 10 more runs to the team’s total before becoming Lawrence’s second victim of the innings. The report also notes that it wasn’t enough to trouble the batters, even as there was slight movement on offer. The report also notes that with the introduction of spin for the first time in the Test, the partnership came to an end rather abruptly. The report also notes that even as most of the close-in fielders didn’t seem excited and the umpire had ruled it not out, Joe Root got the decision reversed with a swift review. The report also notes that babar was looking good in the middle for a good part of his stay.
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