Former Pakistan captain Urooj Mumtaz has hailed the impact of debutant Razaullah, describing his explosive batting performance as a turning point that has breathed new life into his country's faltering campaign. The 21-year-old's remarkable 81 off 63 balls on day three at Edgbaston, which included nine sixes and forced the final Test into a fourth day, has given Pakistan genuine hope of an unlikely recovery.
The youngster's innings proved decisive in rescuing Pakistan from a precarious position. When he arrived at the crease, the tourists were struggling at 318-8, trailing by two runs. His aggressive batting, combined with a ninth-wicket partnership of 121 with Mohammad Abbas, who contributed 42, propelled Pakistan to a total of 449 and set England a target of 130.
Razaullah's nine sixes equalled Tim Southee's record for the most maximums struck by a Test debutant. His performance with the bat was complemented by an equally impressive showing with the ball, where he took four wickets in England's innings, including the scalp of skipper Joe Root for his first Test dismissal.
His innings was simply sensational. A perfectly written first chapter of his Test career. All that passion, the flair of Pakistan cricket!Mumtaz told Sky Sports, emphasising the significance of the moment.
One 21-year-old who wasn't even on the list gets on the plane and gets his baggy green. Then Joe Root is his first Test wicket, he takes a four-fer on debut, and makes 81, with nine sixes. All of Edgbaston and all of Pakistan were on their feet!
The debutant's emergence comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan, who have endured a turbulent build-up to this match. The squad underwent seven changes ahead of the third Test following two heavy defeats that opened the series, and the head coach was replaced in the reshuffle. Despite these off-field upheavals, Razaullah has demonstrated the kind of fearlessness and raw talent that Mumtaz believes could spark a revival.
The beauty of Pakistan's untapped potential
Mumtaz praised the spirit embodied by Razaullah, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Pakistan's preparation.
He showed the beauty of Pakistan and their raw talent - even he doesn't know what he's capable of!the former captain remarked.
He's come off the plane and has absolutely no baggage. Yes he has a first-class hundred in dramatic fashion, but his hand speed is so quick he is ripping through the ball.
According to ESPN's team preview, Razaullah is a right-arm fast bowler from Mardan with 30 wickets in eight first-class matches and three five-wicket hauls. The same source noted that he had previously scored a first-class century and half-century in the same match against Islamabad Region, showcasing his all-round capability.
He sits so deep in the crease and barely any of his boundaries are mishits - all of his sixes were monsters.Mumtaz continued.
That's the spark, the energy, the exuberance of youth that you are looking for. There was a smile on his face and he was not overwhelmed by the occasion. He didn't look in awe of it - he almost looked like he believed.
Razaullah reflects on his breakthrough performance
Speaking to Sky Sports in Urdu, with translations provided by Mumtaz, Razaullah offered insight into his mindset during the innings.
I just had to bat, you are the ones who get to enjoy it!he said with characteristic humility.
I was planning to take it longer and deeper - 81 runs is not bad though!
The debutant explained his approach at the crease, revealing the tactical thinking behind his aggressive batting.
The ball was in my slot - I was eyeing that up and trying to provide support for the other batters and trying to take it as deep as possible - I broke both my bats and wore down my third.
There was no point at which I didn't enjoy it or when I was scared.Razaullah reflected on his emotional state during the innings.
I was wanting the strike, and overall I wanted to keep the strike as long as possible to get Pakistan another day.
Abbas provides crucial support in the partnership
Mumtaz also highlighted the contribution of Mohammad Abbas, whose 42 proved invaluable in the ninth-wicket stand. Abbas, a renowned seam bowler, notched his highest-ever Test score in the partnership, and his willingness to play positively alongside Razaullah demonstrated the collective determination within the Pakistan camp.
To put one youngster in to bat with one stalwart of the game in Mohammed Abbas who is now on the honours board at Lord's after an eight-year gap between fifers,Mumtaz noted.
Abbas said 'I'm not just a seam bowler - I'm going to hit a few down the ground,' and he did!
Can Pakistan mount an unlikely comeback?
Despite the odds stacked against them, Mumtaz refused to dismiss Pakistan's chances of a miraculous turnaround.
It all just amalgamates to show what could have happened if Pakistan had the temperament, the flair and the technique to back it up for the twelve-odd days of cricket we've had.
If anyone is a betting person, after what's happened today, it's almost like that dimming light has been ignited again.the former captain said, suggesting that Razaullah's performance has fundamentally altered the psychological landscape of the match.
You never know [what will happen]. Razaullah had a four-fer on debut [in England's first innings], and he provides a point of difference with pace.
Mumtaz emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum heading into the final day.
They'll have to believe - there will have to be words of wisdom - and also know that there's not too much to be said. They can leave it at that, watch some tapes and come back tomorrow with hope.
What happens next
England will begin their chase of 130 on Saturday, 12 September 2026, with live coverage on Sky Sports Cricket commencing at 10:15am. The hosts will be favourites to secure victory and wrap up the series, but Razaullah's display has demonstrated that Pakistan possess the capability to produce moments of genuine brilliance when least expected.
