Pakistan’s 21-year-old debutant Razaullah Khan produced a stunning counterattacking display at Edgbaston on Day 3, turning what appeared to be a straightforward innings defeat into a competitive finish.
Coming in at No. 9 with Pakistan in serious trouble, Razaullah smashed 81 runs from just 63 balls, including nine sixes, to equal two remarkable records previously associated with New Zealand great Tim Southee and England’s Ben Stokes.
His fearless knock not only gave Pakistan a much-needed boost but also created a memorable moment on his very first Test appearance.
Razaullah Khan equals Tim Southee’s Test debut record
Razaullah’s nine sixes put him level with Southee for the most sixes hit by a batter on men’s Test debut.
Southee had set the mark against England in Napier in 2008, when he famously smashed an unbeaten 77 from only 40 deliveries while clearing the boundary nine times.
More than a decade later, Razaullah matched that extraordinary record on English soil.
For a player making his Test debut, the manner in which he attacked an established England bowling attack was particularly impressive.
Razaullah matches Ben Stokes’ record in England
The Pakistan youngster also equalled another eye-catching record.
His nine sixes matched Stokes’ mark for the most sixes scored in a single Test innings on English soil. Stokes had established the record during the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s.
Razaullah therefore joined two very different Test personalities – Southee and Stokes – in the record books on the same afternoon.
Here’s how Razaullah saved Pakistan from innings defeat
Pakistan appeared to be heading towards an innings defeat after falling 320 runs behind in the first innings.
Their eighth wicket fell at 318 during the final session, leaving the lower order with an enormous task. Razaullah walked out alongside Mohammad Abbas with England’s seamers seemingly in complete control.
Instead, the debutant decided to attack.
His first six was particularly significant as it took Pakistan beyond England’s first-innings total and gave the visitors a lead. From there, the youngster showed little interest in simply surviving.
Fast bowling all-rounder Gus Atkinson came under immediate pressure as Razaullah attacked him with remarkable freedom.
The debutant smashed three sixes in a single over, putting the England attack on the back foot.
He soon reached his maiden Test half-century from only 43 deliveries, bringing up the landmark with another six, this time against Jofra Archer.
Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas produce record ninth-wicket stand
The counterattack became even more significant when Mohammad Abbas joined Razaullah in an extraordinary partnership.
The pair added 121 runs from just 123 balls for Pakistan’s ninth wicket.
Abbas also played his part brilliantly, registering a career-best 42 off 60 balls, with two sixes and five fours.
The partnership was particularly notable because it became the fastest century stand for the ninth wicket in Pakistan’s Test history.
What looked like a potential early finish suddenly became a genuine contest.
Razaullah’s incredible innings eventually came to an end when he was stumped off the bowling of Shoaib Bashir.
He walked back having scored 81 from 63 deliveries, with nine sixes and a fearless approach that completely changed the mood inside Edgbaston.
All 8 sixes of Razaullah Today pic.twitter.com/3rsxElqoxw
— Jered William Jr. (@Jeredwilliam) September 11, 2026
The young Pakistan batter received a standing ovation from the crowd as he made his way off the field.
Also READ: Pakistan batters lead stunning fightback against England on Day 3 of Edgbaston Test
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 managed to turn the deficit into a lead of 129 runs, leaving England with a target of 130.
Earlier in the innings, Shan Masood provided Pakistan with 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 transformed the innings.
England will now return on Day 4 needing 130 runs to complete a 3-0 series sweep. What had looked like a one-sided contest has suddenly gained an unexpected twist, largely because a 21-year-old debutant decided that defence was not an option.
