Razaullah may have arrived at the third Test between England and Pakistan as an unfamiliar name, but after his explosive debut at Edgbaston, the 21-year-old has suddenly become one of the biggest talking points in Pakistan cricket.
A raw talent with only eight first-class matches under his belt, Razaullah was selected for Pakistan’s final Test amid wholesale changes to the side. He was primarily known as a tearaway fast bowler, with his pace and bowling potential drawing comparisons with Pakistan great Waqar Younis.
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Few, however, could have predicted what he would produce with the bat.
Coming in at number nine, Razaullah smashed a stunning 81 off just 63 balls to help Pakistan fight back after they had been bowled out for 133 on the opening day and England had piled up 453. His innings transformed the mood around the Pakistan camp and gave his team an unlikely chance of forcing a dramatic result.
His batting was marked by fearless strokeplay. Razaullah struck nine sixes, making him joint-top for the most sixes in a Test innings in England. The other player to hit nine in an innings was England’s Ben Stokes, who achieved the feat during his famous 155 against Australia in the 2023 Ashes.
Razaullah’s aggression was such that he broke two bats during his innings and had to use three different bats at the crease.
His approach also drew comparisons with some of Pakistan’s most naturally aggressive batsmen, including Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq. Rather than being intimidated by England’s attack, the youngster repeatedly attacked the bowlers and even continued his assault when England captain Joe Root placed eight fielders on the boundary.
The innings was not just about power. Razaullah showed the confidence and composure to take on an experienced England attack despite making his international debut. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja praised his attitude and body language, describing his performance as exactly the kind of fight Pakistan needed.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also highlighted the significance of the innings, saying Pakistan had “unearthed a gem” and predicting that Razaullah could become a superstar for years to come.
His journey to the Pakistan team has also been remarkably quick. He had signed to play for Cleethorpes in the Yorkshire Cricket Southern Premier League for the 2026 season, but was instead called up to a national training camp in May before earning his Test debut.
Razaullah’s first international innings ended in dramatic fashion. After being reprieved on an lbw decision against Dan Lawrence, he charged down the pitch the very next ball and was stumped.
He walked back to the pavilion to a warm ovation from the Edgbaston crowd.
For a player with just eight first-class appearances before his Test debut, Razaullah has already made an unforgettable introduction. Whether he can turn one extraordinary innings into a long Pakistan career remains to be seen, but after his 81 at Edgbaston, the cricket world certainly knows his name.
