Islamabad United thrash Multan Sultans to remain unbeaten in PSL 2025
RAWALPINDI: A fiery half-century by Sahibzada Farhan, complemented by Jason Holder’s impressive four-wicket burst, guided Islamabad United to a commanding 47-run win over Multan Sultans in the seventh fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Wednesday.
Set a daunting target of 203, Multan’s chase faltered as they were bowled out for just 155 in 18.4 overs, despite a steady knock from skipper Mohammad Rizwan.
The Sultans endured an early setback when Shai Hope departed for just one run, falling on the fifth ball of the innings with only three on the board.
Rizwan and Usman Khan attempted to rebuild, adding a measured 59 runs for the second wicket. However, the stand was broken at the end of the powerplay when Imad Wasim castled Usman, who made 31 off 20 balls, hitting three boundaries and two maximums.
Rizwan continued to anchor the innings with a 30-run stand alongside Kamran Ghulam before being dismissed by his opposite number Shadab Khan in the 11th over. He remained the top scorer with a 27-ball 38, including three fours and a six.
His departure triggered a dramatic collapse, with Multan losing their last six wickets for just 59 runs. Iftikhar Ahmed put up some resistance with a gritty 32, but eventually fell to Muhammad Shahzad in the penultimate over.
Jason Holder was the pick of the bowlers for United, claiming 4/25 in his four overs. Imad Wasim chipped in with two wickets, while Shadab Khan, Shahzad, Naseem Shah, and Riley Meredith claimed a scalp each.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, United’s batting order bounced back from regular setbacks to post a competitive 202/6 in their 20 overs.
The opening duo of Farhan and Andries Gous gave United a brisk start, adding 45 runs in just 4.4 overs before Gous was removed by David Willey for nine.
Farhan went on to stitch a 35-run stand with Colin Munro for the second wicket before being dismissed in the ninth over. He top-scored with a fluent 53 off 36 balls, smashing seven fours and two sixes.
Munro took charge of the innings after Farhan’s dismissal, building brief partnerships with skipper Shadab Khan and Azam Khan. He fell in the 16th over after a blazing 48 off 25 balls, which included four boundaries and three sixes.
Late fireworks came from Haider Ali and Jason Holder, who added a vital 49-run stand for the sixth wicket. Haider played a quick cameo of 33 off 16 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes before being dismissed on the last ball of the 19th over.
For Multan, Chris Jordan was the most successful bowler with 2/41, while Ubaid Shah, Usama Mir, and David Willey each took one wicket.
The emphatic win helped Islamabad United maintain their unbeaten streak, taking them to the top of the PSL 10 table with six points from three games. Meanwhile, Multan Sultans remained winless after two outings.
