In a remarkable display of power hitting, Pakistan's debutant fast bowler Razaullah stunned spectators by scoring 81 runs, including nine sixes, during the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9, 2026. This explosive innings not only helped Pakistan recover from a precarious position but also saw Razaullah equal the record for the most sixes hit in a Test innings by a debutant, a record previously held by New Zealand’s Tim Southee since 2008.
Razaullah entered the fray at a challenging moment for Pakistan, who found themselves at 318-8, trailing by two runs in the final session of the day. Partnering with Mohammad Abbas, the pair formed a formidable partnership, adding 121 runs at a brisk pace. While Abbas contributed a steady 42 off 67 balls, it was Razaullah's aggressive approach that turned the tide for Pakistan, pushing the team’s total past 400 and establishing a lead of 80 runs.
The debutant's first six came off Josh Tongue, clearing the ropes over square-leg and erasing Pakistan's deficit. He then unleashed a barrage against Gus Atkinson, belting three sixes in a single over. After England opted for a new ball, Razaullah continued his assault, hitting two more sixes off Jofra Archer, the first bringing up his fifty in just 43 balls. His second six of that over not only marked a personal milestone but also propelled Pakistan to the 400-run mark.
Razaullah's onslaught continued as he struck a massive six in both the 90th and 91st overs, pushing the ninth-wicket partnership past the 100-run mark. However, with just ten minutes remaining in the day's play, Abbas was dismissed, and Razaullah's innings came to an end shortly after, as he was stumped while attempting to hit another big shot, concluding Pakistan's innings at 449. This set England a target of 130 runs to win the match.
Earlier in the Test, Pakistan's first innings had been a struggle, as they were bowled out for just 133 runs, with Tongue claiming four wickets. England responded with a solid 453, featuring contributions from several batsmen, including fifties from Emilio Gay, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith, and Ollie Robinson. Razaullah, despite his team's struggles, shone with the ball as well, taking four wickets on his debut and consistently bowling at speeds of 140 kph.
Razaullah's achievement of equaling Southee's record for the most sixes in a Test debut innings adds to the excitement of the ongoing series. The record now stands at nine sixes for both players, with Southee's original feat occurring during his debut match against England in Napier back in March 2008. Razaullah's explosive performance not only highlights his potential as a batsman but also marks a significant moment in Pakistan's cricketing history.
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