Rajauallah Hits Record-Equalling Nine Sixes on Test Debut as England Chase 130

Pakistan appeared to be heading toward another heavy defeat at Edgbaston, with the possibility of the Test ending inside three days. But a stunning counterattack from debutant Rajauallah changed the complexion of the match.

After being bowled out for just 133 in the first innings and conceding 453 to England, Pakistan were 320 runs behind. They then produced a remarkable second-innings fightback, scoring 449 to set England a target of 130.

Aazan Owais made 59, Shan Masood scored 95 and Babar Azam contributed 76. But the biggest impact came from 21-year-old Rajauallah, who turned the match around with a spectacular late-order assault.

Rajauallah walked in at No. 9 with Pakistan on 312 for seven. The visitors still needed eight runs to avoid an innings defeat, and after the eighth wicket fell, only two runs separated them from that unwanted fate.

What followed was an extraordinary display of attacking batting.

Rajauallah smashed Josh Tong for six to ensure England would have to bat again. Two overs later, he hit three more sixes in an over from Gus Atkinson. Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer were also attacked as the youngster raced to a half-century from just 43 balls.

He eventually fell for 81 from 63 deliveries, having struck four fours and nine sixes.

Those nine sixes equalled the record for the most sixes by a batter on Test debut. New Zealand great Tim Southee also hit nine sixes on his Test debut in 2008. Rajauallah has now joined him at the top of that list.

Rajauallah reached his ninth six off Dan Lawrence to equal the record. He survived an LBW appeal through a review on the following delivery, but was then stumped while attempting another attacking shot.

Before Rajauallah’s late assault, Pakistan had been given a platform by Masood and Aazan. Masood survived a chance on 40 and reached his half-century from 81 balls. He looked on course for a century before falling five runs short when Dan Lawrence took a brilliant one-handed catch at gully off Atkinson.

Babar also made a positive contribution with 76. During his innings, the Pakistan captain became the fifth captain from his country to reach 2,000 Test runs.

However, Babar’s long wait for a Test century continued. His century drought has now stretched to 40 consecutive innings, with his last Test hundred coming against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.

Pakistan eventually finished on 449, having resumed the day at 52 for two.

England will now chase 130 runs on the fourth day. Joe Root’s side already lead the three-match series 2-0 and have the opportunity to complete a series whitewash.

After looking certain to finish the Test inside three days, England now face a chase made possible by Rajauallah’s extraordinary debut performance.