Razaullah matches Tim Southee’s record of nine sixes on Test debut against England

Pakistan debutant Razaullah scored 81 and struck nine sixes in the second innings of the Test against England in Birmingham, equalling the record for the most sixes hit in an innings on Test debut. The record had been held solely by New Zealand’s Tim Southee since March 22, 2008, when he smashed nine sixes against England in Napier on his debut.

Razaullah walked in at No. 9 after Ghazi Ghori’s dismissal, with Pakistan placed at 318-8 in the final session of the day, still trailing England by two runs. Mohammad Abbas joined him two overs later, and the pair added 121 runs together at close to a run a ball, extending the match into the fourth day. Razaullah was the aggressor throughout, while Abbas contributed 42 off 67 deliveries.

The debutant cleared the ropes for the first time off Josh Tongue, hitting one over square-leg to wipe off Pakistan’s deficit. He then struck three sixes in one over off Gus Atkinson. After England took the new ball, Razaullah hit two sixes off Jofra Archer in one over: the first brought up his fifty off 43 deliveries and the second took Pakistan past the 400-run mark, extending their lead to 80.

How did Razaullah’s innings end?

Razaullah continued his assault in the 90th and 91st overs, hitting a six in each to push Pakistan’s lead and the ninth-wicket partnership both past the 100-run mark. Abbas was dismissed shortly before the close of play, caught at backward point. Razaullah then hit his ninth six of the innings off Dan Lawrence but was stumped on the fourth delivery of the same over while stepping out for another big shot.

Pakistan were bowled out for 449, setting England a target of 130 to win. Razaullah’s innings of 81 contained nine sixes, placing him level with Southee at the top of the list for most sixes in an innings on Test debut. Razaullah also holds a first-class century to his name, underlining his batting credentials beyond his primary role as a pace bowler.

Most sixes on Test debut:

How did the match unfold before Razaullah’s record knock?

Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in their first innings, with Josh Tongue picking up four wickets. England replied with 453, with Emilio Gay scoring 60, Harry Brook 75, Dan Lawrence 65, Jamie Smith 69 and Ollie Robinson 50, as five batters reached half-centuries. Razaullah was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, taking four wickets on debut while consistently clocking 140 kph with the ball.

In Pakistan’s second innings, Azan Awais made 59, Shaan Masood scored 95 and Babar Azam contributed 76 to provide resistance before the lower order took over. The ninth-wicket stand between Razaullah and Abbas ultimately ensured England had to bat again in the Test, with the hosts chasing 130 to win.