Pakistan produced a defiant performance on the third day of the third Test at Edgbaston, successfully delaying England’s pursuit of a series clean sweep. After trailing by 320 runs following a disappointing first-innings total of 133, the visitors mounted a significant recovery to post 449 in their second innings, setting England a target of 130 runs to win the match.
The match appeared destined for an early conclusion after Pakistan’s initial collapse, but a disciplined batting display ensured the contest extended into the fourth day. While England remain the clear favorites to secure a 3-0 series victory, the grit shown by the Pakistani lower order has added a layer of intrigue to the final stages of the encounter.
Masood and Babar lead the resistance
The foundation for Pakistan's resurgence was laid by their top and middle-order batters, who worked to erase the substantial first-innings deficit. Captain
These contributions allowed Pakistan to navigate nearly 97 overs, forcing the English bowlers to work significantly harder than they had in the opening stages of the Test. Despite the progress, England managed to regain control at various intervals, with Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Josh Tongue maintaining pressure and claiming key wickets to keep the hosts in the ascendancy.
Razaullah and Abbas frustrate England
The most unexpected development of the day occurred when Pakistan’s ninth-wicket pair mounted a counter-attack that stunned the home side. Debutant Razaullah, batting at No. 9, played an aggressive innings of 81 from just 73 balls, featuring nine sixes. He found a reliable partner in Mohammad Abbas, and the duo combined for a vital 121-run partnership.
This stand effectively pushed the match into the fourth day, frustrating England’s attempts to wrap up the victory before the close of play on the third evening. The partnership was eventually broken when Josh Tongue dismissed Abbas, and shortly thereafter, England’s bowlers removed Razaullah to bring the innings to a close. With a target of 130 set, England will resume on Day 4 looking to complete the series sweep, while Pakistan will aim to defend their modest total and force a dramatic conclusion.
