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Razaullah's 'Razball' Stuns England on Day Three

BBC Sport •
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Cancel the tee at the Belfry, rearrange Cadbury World and abort the Bullring shopping jolly. Pakistan debutant Razaullah and 'Razball' have arrived.

England's bowlers were thwarted by a Pakistan side mixing belligerence with brilliance, forcing a day four at Edgbaston. Razaullah produced a dizzying knock, making a stunning 81 off 63 balls at number nine. A raw 21-year-old with eight first-class matches, he took down England's attack with shades of Shahid Afridi or Abdul Razzaq. He took three bats to the crease but broke two.

"It's the first time he's been out there for Pakistan ever, and absolutely lights up the show," said Ramiz Raja on BBC Test Match Special. "They'll want him playing all formats because he's a natural in mind, body language and attitude."

Razaullah's nine sixes is the joint-most in a Test innings in England, matching Ben Stokes' famous 155 in the 2023 Ashes. Shan Masood made 95 and Babar Azam 76. "They've unearthed a gem and he will be a superstar for many years," said Michael Vaughan.

Pakistan now lead, with 129 to defend and an outside chance of a famous victory.