Farhan, Holder Lead Islamabad United to Dominant Third Straight Win in PSL 2025

Islamabad United extended their unbeaten run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 with a commanding 47-run victory over Multan Sultans at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A composed half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and a clinical four-wicket haul by Jason Holder powered United to their third consecutive win, while the Sultans remain winless in the tournament.

Farhan Sets the Tone, Late Surge Takes United Past 200

After being sent in to bat, Islamabad posted a formidable 202 for 6, courtesy of Farhan’s 53 and a rapid 48 from Colin Munro. Although United began cautiously against disciplined bowling from Multan early in the powerplay, Farhan turned up the tempo with aggressive strokes off Michael Bracewell, helping accelerate the scoring rate.

Despite a few middle-overs hiccups — including the dismissals of Farhan, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan — United continued to find crucial boundaries. Munro looked dangerous before falling to a sharp bouncer from Ubaid Shah.

The innings came alive at the death. Haider Ali and Jason Holder unleashed a brutal assault, combining to score 64 runs off the final four overs. Haider punished Chris Jordan for three consecutive boundaries, while Holder took 10 off two deliveries from Ubaid Shah, lifting United past the 200-run mark for the second match in a row.

Sultans Start Fast but Falter Under Pressure

Multan Sultans, chasing 203, began brightly despite losing Shai Hope to a first-over strike from Naseem Shah. Usman Khan provided early fireworks, smashing two sixes off Riley Meredith, and his 31 off 20 balls had the Sultans in contention by the end of the powerplay.

However, momentum quickly shifted as Islamabad’s spinners took control. Imad Wasim dismissed Usman at a crucial moment, and alongside Shadab Khan, applied the brakes in the middle overs. Just 29 runs were scored in the five overs following the powerplay, leading to increased pressure and the eventual dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan for 38, caught in the deep.

Bracewell and Iftikhar Ahmed attempted a brief counterattack, but wickets continued to tumble. Holder, who was exceptional with the ball, played a key role in dismantling the lower order. He removed Usama Mir and Mohammad Hasnain with pinpoint deliveries and ended Iftikhar’s fightback with a straightforward catch to long-off, wrapping up the Sultans’ innings at 155 in 18.1 overs.

Holder the Game-Changer

Jason Holder was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution. His 4 for 25 with the ball — combined with a vital cameo in the final overs with the bat — underlined his value in this Islamabad setup, which now appears one of the most well-rounded sides in the tournament.

United Rise, Sultans Struggle

With this win, Islamabad United solidify their place at the top of the PSL 2025 table, looking increasingly dominant with each outing. For Multan Sultans, however, the wait for their first victory goes on, and their campaign is now in dire need of a turnaround.

Match Summary:
Islamabad United 202/6 (Farhan 53, Munro 48, Jordan 4-41)
Multan Sultans 155 all out (Rizwan 38, Holder 4-25, Wasim 2-33)
Result: Islamabad United won by 47 runs.