ENG vs PAK: Razaullah-Abbas' counter-attacking 123-run resistance keeps Pakistan alive in 3rd Test, hand England 130-run target

Pakistan mounted a sensational fightback at Edgbaston to avoid a three-day defeat and set England a target of 130 runs, spearheaded by debutant Razaullah's explosive lower-order assault. Resuming at 55/2 and still trailing by 268 runs, Pakistan's top order initially laid the foundation for the recovery. Shan Masood (95) and Azan Awais (59) pushed their third-wicket stand to 125 before Awais tickled a Dan Lawrence delivery down the leg side. Masood then partnered with Babar Azam (76) for an 89-run alliance, but when Gus Atkinson took a stunning gully catch to deny Masood his century and Josh Tongue removed Babar with a short ball, Pakistan seemed on the brink of collapse at 318/8.

What followed transformed a potentially quiet finish into a thrilling spectacle, as 21-year-old Razaullah turned the match on its head from number nine. Striking a 43-ball fifty and equaling Ben Stokes' record for the most sixes in a Test innings in England with nine maximums, the rookie blasted 81 to lift Pakistan to 449. He found an aggressive partner in Muhammad Abbas (42), and together the pair forged a jaw-dropping 121-run partnership for the eighth wicket that completely unmoored England’s bowling plans under the floodlights. By the time Lawrence finally stumped Razaullah to end the day, Pakistan had restored immense pride to a hitherto difficult tour.

The unexpected counter-attack injected electric energy into Edgbaston, frustrating a tired English attack that struggled for answers late in the day. Despite Pakistan's disastrous 133 all-out in the first innings, the tourists have given themselves a fighting chance with 130 runs to defend. While England remain favorites to complete the chase on Day 4, Pakistan’s spirited resistance has set up a far more compelling show than anyone anticipated.