Mohammad Abbas Matches Wasim Akram’s 27-Year-Old Test Record

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has matched a 27-year-old Test record held by Wasim Akram after striking twice in the opening over of England's chase during the third Test at Edgbaston. Defending a target of 130, Abbas dismissed Ben Duckett from the first delivery and removed Emilio Gay from the final ball of the same over, leaving both England openers without a run and briefly giving Pakistan hope of an unlikely comeback.

The double strike placed Abbas alongside one of Pakistan cricket's most celebrated fast bowlers. Wasim had achieved the same feat in 1999 by taking two wickets in the opening over of a Test innings. Abbas repeated the achievement 27 years later, adding another notable milestone to a series in which his disciplined seam bowling remained one of Pakistan's strongest individual features.

His contribution at Birmingham extended beyond the ball. Abbas scored 42 in Pakistan's second innings and combined with debutant Razaullah for a 121-run ninth-wicket partnership. The stand helped Pakistan recover from 318 for eight and reach 449, turning what had appeared likely to be an innings defeat into a contest that forced England to bat again.

Pakistan had entered their second innings under severe pressure after being dismissed for 133 in the first innings and then watching England compile 453. Facing a deficit of 320 runs, the visitors mounted a far stronger response. Shan Masood scored 95, Babar Azam made 76 and Azan Awais contributed 59 before the lower order extended the resistance, with Razaullah smashing 81 and Abbas providing valuable support.

Abbas's opening-over breakthrough dramatically changed the atmosphere when England began the final chase, but the hosts recovered quickly. Joe Root made an unbeaten 62 and Jordan Cox finished on 59 not out as England reached the target for the loss of only two wickets. The eight-wicket victory completed a 3-0 Test series whitewash despite Pakistan's late fightback and Abbas's record-equalling start with the new ball.

The milestone capped a productive individual series for Abbas, who finished with 13 wickets and was named Pakistan's Player of the Series. His performances provided consistency in an otherwise difficult tour and reinforced his reputation as a bowler capable of exploiting movement and maintaining pressure with the new ball. The Birmingham achievement also carried added significance because it linked his name directly with a record set by Wasim during one of Pakistan cricket's most prominent fast-bowling eras.

For Pakistan, the record offers a positive individual moment at the end of a series dominated by England. Attention will now shift to how the team assesses its Test performances after three consecutive defeats, including the contributions of experienced players and emerging talent. Abbas's wickets, lower-order runs and record-equalling opening over are likely to remain among the most memorable Pakistani performances from the tour.