ISL VS MUL MATCH 7

Right then, that was it from the encounter between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans, where IU have got their third straight win, whereas MS have lost their first two matches. Now, there is a break of a day in the Pakistan Premier League, and we will come back on Friday, 18th April, where the Karachi Kings will take on Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium at 3 pm GMT. But as you know, you can join us in advance for all the build-up, including toss and playing XI. Until then, Cheers! Adios!

The captain of Islamabad United, Shadab Khan, reflects on his team's strong all-round performance, noting that the pitch was initially tacky, but Colin Munro and Sahibzada Farhan laid a solid foundation, with Haider Ali and Jason Holder providing a perfect finish. He observes that the conditions changed in the second innings with dew making it a true Pindi wicket, yet his bowlers delivered one of their best performances. Shadab mentions using matchups strategically, bringing himself on early and choosing Holder to exploit Iftikhar’s weakness against left-arm pace. He praises the younger players’ attitude and emphasises the team's focus on consistency moving forward.

Jason Holder is named Player of the Match for his impressive four-wicket haul. He expresses his satisfaction with his performance, saying he enjoys his time out on the field. He emphasises the importance of maintaining momentum and continuing to improve in key areas. Holder explains that he focuses on staying balanced and reacting to situations as they unfold. He also highlights that working on his execution has brought positive results, contributing to his impactful performance in the match.

... TIME FOR THE PRESENTATIONS ...

The skipper of Multan Sultans, Mohammad Rizwan, admits that Islamabad batted really well and they got more runs than the average total. He feels that the total got a bit bigger than he expected, and they tried to take the momentum back, but they failed to do so as Sahibzada Farhan batted really well early on. Mentions that they are trying to do what they can their best, but the luck isn’t favouring them, and they were in the game till the last couple of overs but fell short eventually in the end because of not good batting. He appreciates the bowling of Jason Holder and admits that they are still figuring out their best playing XI.

This victory underscores Islamabad United's dominance in the tournament, showcasing their balanced team performance and strategic acumen. The comprehensive win not only extends their unbeaten streak but also sends a strong message to the competition about their championship aspirations. Multan Sultans, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their shortcomings, particularly in handling high-pressure chases and strengthening their bowling strategies. As the tournament progresses, both teams will aim to refine their approaches in pursuit of PSL glory.

Chasing a formidable target, Multan Sultans faced immediate setbacks. Shai Hope was dropped early off Naseem Shah but failed to capitalise, losing his wicket just two balls later. The early loss put Multan under pressure, and despite a promising 59-run partnership between captain Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan, the innings lacked stability. Imad Wasim's crucial breakthrough ended the partnership, dismissing Rizwan and triggering a collapse. The middle and lower orders failed to mount a significant resistance, succumbing to the mounting scoreboard pressure and the exceptional death bowling of Jason Holder.. Multan Sultans were eventually bowled out, falling short by 47 runs.

Islamabad United started batting on a high note. Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan laid the foundation with a well-crafted 53 off 35 balls, setting the tone for the innings. Colin Munro then took centre stage, delivering a blistering 48 off just 25 balls, showcasing his aggressive intent and ability to dominate the bowlers. The momentum continued with a late-innings surge from Jason Holder and Haider Ali. Their explosive partnership yielded 49 runs in 22 balls, propelling Islamabad United to a daunting total of 202/6 at the end of their 20 overs. Despite the challenging conditions, Multan Sultans' bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Chris Jordan emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 41 runs in his 4 overs. All other bowlers also contributed with a wicket each apart from Michael Bracewell, but the collective effort wasn't enough to prevent Islamabad from crossing the 200-run mark.

It is a 47-run win for Islamabad United after batting brilliantly in the first inning. Thanks to the 4 wickets from Jason Holder in the second inning that got them the game. Islamabad United continued their dominant run in the PSL 2025 season, securing a comprehensive win which has been a rain-delayed encounter. This victory marks their third consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the points table.

OUT! CAUGHT! ISLAMABAD UNITED WIN BY 47 RUNS AND THIS IS THEIR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN! On a good length and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed moves across a bit and looks to go downtown. He miscues it, and the ball goes high in the air towards long off. Jason Holder runs in to his left there and takes this catch. A second consecutive loss for Multan Sultans.

OUT! CAUGHT! ISLAMABAD UNITED WIN BY 47 RUNS AND THIS IS THEIR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN! On a good length and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed moves across a bit and looks to go downtown. He miscues it, and the ball goes high in the air towards long off. Jason Holder runs in to his left there and takes this catch. A second consecutive loss for Multan Sultans.

Nagging length and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed cuts it aerially to the left of deep point and doesn't take any run.

Touch full and around middle, Iftikhar Ahmed drills it to long on and denies the single.

FOUR! Iftikhar Ahmed is still fighting! Hard length and around middle, Iftikhar Ahmed gets in the line and lofts it. He mistimes it but gets enough to get a boundary as the ball goes on the bounce over the ropes at deep square leg.

A good yorker, around middle, Ubaid Shah digs it out towards mid-wicket but Iftikhar Ahmed denies the single. MS need 52 runs in the last two overs.

Back of a length and around middle, Ubaid Shah goes back and looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on his thighpad.

Much fuller and around off, Iftikhar Ahmed moves across and drills it to long off. He takes a single now and gives two balls to Ubaid Shah to play.