Pakistan showcased resilience on day three of the third Test at Edgbaston, finishing with 449 runs in their second innings, establishing a 129-run lead over England.
Key facts
Pakistan scored 133 and 449, leading England's 453 by 129 runs.
Debutant Razaullah hit 81 off 63 balls, equaling Tim Southee’s record for sixes by a Test debutant.
Shan Masood contributed 95 runs, and Babar Azam added 76.
Gus Atkinson took three wickets, including the key dismissal of Masood.
Why it matters: Pakistan's performance at Edgbaston has shifted the momentum in the series, which England leads 2-0. The team's batting display has raised questions about England’s bowling strategy.
The match has highlighted Pakistan's resilience after a dismal first innings where they were bowled out for just 133.
Razaullah's explosive batting has injected confidence into a struggling lineup, potentially altering the series narrative.
England's four-pronged pace attack faced challenges as conditions changed, raising concerns about their adaptability without a frontline spinner.
Driving the news: On the third day, Pakistan capitalized on a strong batting performance, led by debutant Razaullah, who scored 81 runs, including nine sixes, to help his team recover from a precarious position.
Razaullah's innings included a stunning 121-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Mohammad Abbas, who scored a career-best 42.
This partnership came after Pakistan was struggling at 312 for seven, still eight runs behind England's first innings score.
Pakistan's total of 449 marked a remarkable turnaround compared to their first innings collapse.
State of play: As Pakistan finished their innings at 449, England faced the challenge of chasing down 130 runs on the fourth day.
England's bowlers, particularly Ollie Robinson, had previously dominated the series, but faced difficulties adapting to changing conditions.
Robinson, who had taken two wickets in the first innings, could not add to his tally on day three.
Pakistan's innings saw contributions from several key players, including Masood and Azam, who provided stability before Razaullah's explosive finish.
The big picture: England entered the match with high expectations, having already secured the series with dominant victories in the first two Tests.
After bowling Pakistan out for 133 in their first innings, England seemed on track for another easy win.
Pakistan's batting woes earlier in the series raised doubts about their ability to compete effectively.
Razaullah's performance, alongside Masood and Azam, has reignited hope for the visitors and created a more competitive atmosphere.
What they're saying: The reactions from players and analysts highlight the significance of Pakistan's turnaround in this match.
“Razaullah's innings was a breath of fresh air for us,” Babar Azam said, praising the debutant's impact.
On the other hand, England's captain Joe Root expressed disappointment at not being able to wrap up the match quickly, stating, “We needed to be sharper in the field.”
Analysts noted that England's reliance on pace without a spin option could be a tactical misstep in changing conditions.
By the numbers: The statistics from the match reveal the shifting dynamics of the series.
Razaullah's 81 runs came off just 63 balls, featuring nine sixes, equaling a record for a Test debutant.
Masood narrowly missed his century, finishing with 95 runs, contributing significantly to Pakistan's recovery.
Gus Atkinson took three wickets, including the important dismissal of Masood, highlighting his growing role in the England bowling attack.
What's next: As the match progresses to its final day, England will need to chase down 130 runs to avoid a surprise defeat.
The outcome will hinge on how well England's batting lineup responds under pressure after a challenging day in the field.
Pakistan aims to capitalize on their current momentum and secure a victory, potentially shifting the series narrative.
Fans eagerly await how the fourth day will play out, with both teams having much at stake in this decisive moment of the series.