Summary Shan Masood misses century while Babar Azam ends Test hundred drought
BIRMINGHAM (Dunya News) – Pakistan fought back from the brink of an innings defeat to set England a target of 130 runs in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Friday.
The visitors were bowled out for 449 in their second innings, having resumed the day at 52-2 and faced the prospect of a series whitewash after being dismissed for just 133 in their first innings. A remarkable lower-order assault led by Test debutant Razzaullah and Mohammad Abbas turned the contest around, giving Pakistan a slim chance of forcing a result.
Pakistan had needed 320 runs simply to make England bat again after the hosts posted 453 in their first innings. They eventually surpassed that mark comfortably, with Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Awais also making valuable contributions before the late-order fightback transformed the game.
Awais and Shan resumed the third day's play and produced a determined 125-run stand for the third wicket. Both batters reached half-centuries before Dan Lawrence finally broke the partnership by dismissing Awais for 59.
Shan then continued to anchor the innings and came agonisingly close to a century. The Pakistan captain made 95 from 148 deliveries, hitting 12 boundaries before Gus Atkinson ended his innings.
Babar subsequently combined with Saud Shakeel for a 64-run fifth-wicket partnership and brought up his 34th Test century, ending a long wait for a hundred in the format. His stay at the crease ended on 76 from 103 balls, with 11 fours and a six, after Josh Tongue had him caught behind.
Saud made 35 before falling to Atkinson, while Ghazi Ghauri and Mohammad Imran departed cheaply as Pakistan slipped to 318-8.
With Pakistan eight wickets down and still needing runs to avoid an innings defeat, Razzaullah and Abbas launched an extraordinary counterattack.
The debutant took the initiative, attacking England's bowlers with a succession of boundaries. Razzaullah struck nine fours and four sixes during a sensational 81 from only 63 balls, giving Pakistan's innings fresh momentum when defeat appeared almost inevitable.
Abbas provided crucial support at the other end, producing a career-best 42 from 67 deliveries. The pair added 121 runs for the ninth wicket, taking Pakistan from 318-8 to 439-9 and ensuring England would have to bat again.
Abbas was eventually dismissed with Pakistan on 439, but Razzaullah remained aggressive until the end. He became the final wicket to fall when he was stumped off Dan Lawrence, leaving Pakistan all out for 449 after 96.4 overs.
The 129-run lead means England now require 130 runs to win the Test and complete a series clean sweep. Pakistan, meanwhile, must defend the modest target to prevent England from claiming victory in the final match of the series.
