Daijiworld Media Network - Birmingham
Birmingham, Sep 12: Debutant Razaullah Khan breathed new life into Pakistan's innings with a sensational lower-order assault as the visitors fought back against England in the third Test at Edgbaston.
Pakistan had struggled badly with the bat after losing the first two Tests, being bowled out for 133 in the first innings at Edgbaston. England then established a commanding lead of 320 runs, leaving Pakistan facing the prospect of another heavy defeat.
However, Razaullah produced a remarkable counterattack after arriving at the crease with Pakistan reduced to 318 for eight, with England just two wickets away from securing another innings victory.
The 21-year-old smashed nine sixes during his 81-run knock, reaching his half-century from just 43 deliveries. He continued attacking England's pace bowlers even after reaching the milestone, dealing primarily in boundaries to keep Pakistan's hopes alive.
Razaullah's nine sixes equalled Tim Southee's record for the most sixes by a batter on Test debut. The former New Zealand international had struck nine sixes against England at Napier in 2008.
The Pakistan youngster also matched former England captain Ben Stokes' record for the most sixes by any batter in a Test innings in England. Stokes had hit nine sixes against Australia at Lord's during the 2023 Ashes.
Razaullah was particularly destructive against England's pace attack. He hit Gus Atkinson for three sixes in one over before clearing the boundary against Jofra Archer. Another six off Archer took him past his half-century, while a further maximum against the same bowler helped Pakistan cross the 400-run mark.
His most important contribution came in partnership with Mohammad Abbas. The pair added 121 runs for the ninth wicket, dramatically changing the complexion of a match that had appeared firmly under England's control.
Pakistan eventually reached 449 before Razaullah and Abbas were dismissed in the final over of the day.
England were left needing 130 runs on Saturday to complete a 3-0 series sweep, with Pakistan's hopes of avoiding a clean sweep resting on an extraordinary fightback led by their debutant.