Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans, PSL 2025: Islamabad United Claim 47-Run Victory in Dominant Display (2025)

Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans, PSL 2025: Islamabad United delivered a superb all-round performance to secure a convincing 47-run victory over Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Islamabad's total of 202/6 proved to be more than enough as Multan were bowled out for 155 in just 18.4 overs. The match saw a display of power-hitting, sharp bowling, and some exceptional individual performances that made it a memorable encounter for fans.

Match Score and Highlights

Match Score

Islamabad United: 202/6 (20 overs)

Multan Sultans: 155/10 (18.4 overs)

Result: Islamabad United won by 47 runs.

Key Highlights

Islamabad United Innings

• Sahibzada Farhan played an anchoring knock of 53 off 37 balls.
• Andries Gous (9) and Munro (48 off 25 balls) added quick runs in the middle overs.
• Azam Khan contributed a vital 48 off 30 balls, while Jason Holder remained unbeaten on 32* off 14 balls.
• Islamabad posted a competitive 202/6 in 20 overs.

Multan Sultans Innings

• Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 38 runs off 27 balls.
• Usman Khan (31) and Shai Hope (1) failed to stay long at the crease.
• Kamran Ghulam (17), Michael Bracewell (16), and others fell quickly.
• Multan were bowled out for 155 in just 18.4 overs.

Player of the Match

Jason Holder was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scoring 32* off 14 balls and taking 3 wickets for 25 runs.

Islamabad United's Commanding Total

Islamabad United's innings was built on solid contributions from several key players, with Jason Holder being the standout performer. The team set a mammoth target of 203 runs after posting a total of 202/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Sahibzada Farhan (53 off 37) anchored the innings early, showing excellent technique as he played some delightful shots to get Islamabad off to a solid start. Iftikhar Ahmed (37 off 31) also provided valuable support, taking the team to 80 for 2 by the 9th over. However, the partnership that truly lifted the team came from the destructive duo of Munro and Shadab Khan.

Munro, though dismissed for 48 (25), played an explosive knock that included a string of boundaries, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Shadab Khan (14 off 12) looked confident before falling to Chris Jordan in the 11th over.

Azam Khan (48 off 30) then took over, providing the finishing touch with some vital blows to push the total to 202. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Islamabad’s lower order, especially Holder (32* off 14), contributed significantly in the final overs. Holder’s crucial knock ensured they finished strongly, with Islamabad collecting 202 runs in their 20 overs.

The Multan Sultans’ bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs, and while Usama Mir (1/31) and Chris Jordan (2/42) picked up wickets, they were unable to stop Islamabad from reaching their target.

Multan Sultans' Chasing Woes

Chasing 203, the Multan Sultans never quite got going, and despite some strong individual efforts, they fell short. The team lost early wickets and were always behind the required run rate. The Sultans’ chase started poorly when Shai Hope (1) was dismissed early by Shadab Khan in the opening over.

Rizwan (38 off 27) tried to stabilise the innings but struggled to find consistent partners. The Sultans were 62 for 2 in the 6th over when Usman Khan (31 off 20) was dismissed by Riley Meredith. With the required rate climbing rapidly, Multan’s middle order also failed to provide the necessary impetus.

Kamran Ghulam (17 off 13) and Mohammad Rizwan both fell to excellent catches, and at 92/4, the Sultans were beginning to lose hope. Michael Bracewell (16 off 10) played some brief shots before falling to Holder, while David Willey (13 off 10) and Chris Jordan (5 off 7) were both sent packing by Riley Meredith and Imad Wasim, respectively.

It was a truly collective bowling effort from Islamabad United, with all the bowlers getting in on the act. Holder was particularly impressive, claiming 3 wickets for 25 runs. Imad Wasim (2/20) and Riley Meredith (2/31) also played pivotal roles in limiting Multan to just 155, sending them back to the pavilion well short of the target.

Player of the Match: Jason Holder

Jason Holder was awarded the Player of the Match for his all-round performance. He contributed significantly with the bat, scoring a quickfire 32* off 14 balls, and then bowled a match-winning spell, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs. Holder’s performance was critical in both halting Multan’s chase and lifting Islamabad to victory. His brilliant all-round display truly set the tone for Islamabad’s dominant win.

“I’m really happy with my performance today. The wicket was excellent for batting, and it was important for us to finish strong with the bat. With the ball, we stuck to our plans, and I’m glad I could contribute,” Holder said in the post-match presentation.

Story first published: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 1:56 [IST]