'I like to..': Razaullah relishes blistering 81 on Test debut
What's the story
Pakistan's cricketing woes may have been a source of concern, but Razaullah found joy in his debut innings at Edgbaston. He scored a blistering 81 off 63 balls in the third innings of the third and final Test against England, hitting nine sixes along the way, a joint-record for a debutant. His performance not only saved Pakistan from the brink of an innings defeat but also set England a challenging target in the fourth innings.
Joyful debut
I enjoyed the standing ovation: Razaullah
Reflecting on his debut innings, Razaullah said he enjoyed the standing ovation from the crowd.
"I enjoyed the standing ovation. I like to enjoy life and I was relishing the moment," he said after the day's play.
The young cricketer had previously scored an unbeaten 58 in Peshawar's first innings before being promoted as an opener where he scored a century.
Notably, Razaullah had also claimed four wickets in England's first innings.
Fearless approach
Razaullah not intimidated by England's bowling attack
Despite facing a formidable England bowling attack that had easily dismissed Pakistan's specialist batters in five consecutive innings, Razaullah stood his ground.
He said, "I was being selective with which balls to slog, but they all seemed within range."
The young cricketer wasn't intimidated by pace and aimed to take on Archer's hard-length deliveries.
"There's nothing to be scared of when you're playing for your country. I was just enjoying myself," he added.
Record-breaking performance
Razaullah equals Stokes's record
Razaullah's innings included four fours and nine sixes, helping Pakistan post 449 in their second innings and take a 129-run lead.
His nine sixes equaled the record for most sixes by a batter in a Test innings in England.
The record was previously held by England captain Ben Stokes, who had hit nine sixes against Australia at Lord's during the 2023 Ashes series.
Fastest 50
Fastest 50 on Test debut for Pakistan batter
Razaullah also set a national record for the fastest half-century by a batter from Pakistan on Test debut.
He reached his 50 in just 43 balls, breaking Faheem Ashraf's previous record of 52 balls against Ireland in 2018.
The young cricketer's innings came alongside Mohammad Abbas, with the duo adding an impressive 121 runs for the ninth wicket.