Islamabad United Dominate Again: Holder, Farhan Star in 47-Run Win Over Multan Sultans.
Farhan and Holder Make It Three in Three for Islamabad UnitedSultans are in search of their first win in the tournament while United look increasingly impregnable.
16-Apr-2025 • 12 hrs ago
Islamabad United 202/6 (Farhan 53, Munro 48, Haider 33, Holder 32*, Jordan 2-41) beat Multan Sultans 155 (Rizwan 38, Iftikhar 32, Usman 31, Holder 4-25, Imad 2-33) by 47 runs
Another half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and an impressive all-round bowling performance spearheaded by Jason Holder helped Islamabad United maintain their perfect streak in PSL 2025, squeezing out Multan Sultans by 47 runs in a dominant display.
United Post a Commanding Total Despite Early Struggles
Sultans won the toss and elected to field, hoping to exploit early movement. Their bowlers started brightly, with Farhan—fresh off his century against Peshawar Zalmi—and Andries Gous kept quiet in the first half of the powerplay. However, Farhan soon broke the shackles, launching Michael Bracewell for 15 runs in the fourth over and repeating the feat in the final powerplay over.
David Willey provided the breakthrough, removing Gous (12) with a miscued shot to midwicket, but United still managed 41 runs in the latter half of the powerplay.
Usama Mir and Ubaid Shah then applied the brakes, with Mir conceding just six runs in two overs and dismissing Farhan (53 off 32) shortly after his half-century. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, United kept attacking—Colin Munro blazed 48 off 25, while Shadab Khan and Azam Khan fell cheaply to Chris Jordan.
However, United’s lower order once again proved the difference. Haider Ali (33 off 18) smashed Jordan for three consecutive boundaries, while Holder (32 off 15)* demolished Ubaid Shah with a four and a six in the death overs. A collective onslaught of 64 runs in the last four overs propelled United past 200 for the second consecutive game.
Sultans’ Chase Derailed by Holder & Co.Naseem Shah struck early, removing Shai Hope in the first over, but Sultans’ openers responded aggressively. A wayward second over from Naseem went for 17 runs, while Riley Meredith’s first over was plundered for 18 as Usman Khan (31 off 20) dispatched two slower balls for sixes.Imad Wasim provided the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Usman off the penultimate ball of the powerplay, but Sultans were still well-placed at 58/2.From there, United’s spinners took control. Shadab and Imad strangled the run flow, conceding just 29 runs in five overs, building pressure that led to Mohammad Rizwan’s (38 off 32) dismissal—a mistimed slog to deep midwicket.
Bracewell and Iftikhar Ahmed (32 off 24) briefly revived hopes with a 24-run stand, but the required rate kept climbing. Holder (4-25) then dismantled the lower order, cleaning up Usama Mir and Mohammad Hasnain before Iftikhar holed out to long-off, sealing a 47-run victory.
Key TakeawaysFarhan’s form continues: Back-to-back impactful innings.Holder’s all-round brilliance: 32* with the bat, 4-25 with the ball.Sultans’ struggles persist: Yet to register a win in PSL 2025.
United’s death bowling excellence: 64 runs in last four overs with the bat, then restricting Sultans efficiently.
What’s Next?
Islamabad United look unstoppable with three wins in three, while Multan Sultans must regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Match Summary
TeamScoreTop PerformersIslamabad United 202/6 (20) Farhan 53, Munro 48, Holder 32*, Jordan 2-41
Multan Sultans 155 (18.3) Rizwan 38, Iftikhar 32, Holder 4-25
Result: Islamabad United won by 47 runs.
Player of the Match: Jason Holder (32* & 4-25)
Post-Match Reactions
Jason Holder (Player of the Match):
"Just trying to contribute in all departments. The team’s in a great space, and we’re executing our plans well. Happy to get the win."Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans Captain):
"We let it slip in the last four overs with the ball, and then lost wickets in clusters. Need to improve quickly."
Shadab Khan (Islamabad United Captain):
"The way the guys are stepping up, especially the middle order, is fantastic. Holder was exceptional today."
Final ThoughtsWith this win, Islamabad United solidify their position at the top of the table, while Multan Sultans face an uphill battle to turn their campaign around. The Holder-Farhan show continues to shine, making United the team to beat this season.
Stay tuned for more PSL 2025 action!#PSL2025 #IUvMS #Cricket #IslamabadUnited #MultanSultans
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