Masood and Razaullah headline Pakistan’s remarkable turnaround

Masood and Razaullah headline Pakistan's remarkable turnaround

Pakistan delivered arguably their most impressive—and entertaining—performance of the tour on Friday, turning the match around by the end of the third day at Edgbaston. Half‑centuries from Azan Awais, Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Razaullah helped Pakistan post 449, their highest total in the series.

The ninth‑wicket century stand erased the deficit in the post‑tea session, leaving England with a target of 130 for the fourth day.

Key innings

• Azan Awais & Shan Masood started the day cautiously against Jofra Archer’s short‑pitched deliveries, reaching their half‑centuries before the drinks break.
• Shan Masood continued his innings, forming an 89‑run partnership with captain Babar Azam. Masood was caught at gully by Dan Lawrence, five runs short of a century.
• Babar Azam looked solid before falling to a short‑ball from Josh Tongue after surviving Archer’s spell.
• With Pakistan trailing by only 23 runs and five wickets in hand, England struck three quick wickets (Saud Shakeel, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Imran Randhawa).

Razaullah’s explosive cameo

Enter 21‑year‑old debutant Razaullah, who smashed nine sixes—the most by a debutant—on a 63‑ball 81 before being stumped. Highlights of his innings:

• Three consecutive sixes off Gus Atkinson in a single over.
• A six off Jofra Archer to reach his half‑century.

He partnered with Mohammad Abbas, adding 121 runs for the ninth wicket and giving Pakistan a 119‑run lead. Abbas was later dismissed for 42, and Razaullah fell to Dan Lawrence, ending the innings.

Brief scores

• Pakistan 1st innings: 133 (Saud Shakeel 43, Mohammad Abbas 21) – Josh Tongue 4‑42, Ollie Robinson 3‑15
• Pakistan 2nd innings: 449 (Shan Masood 95, Razaullah 81, Babar Azam 76) – Gus Atkinson 3‑109, Dan Lawrence 2‑17
• England: 453 (Harry Brook 75, Jamie Smith 69) – Razaullah 4‑148

Result: Pakistan lead England by 129 runs with a day left.