Jason Holder helps Islamabad United humble Multan Sultans in PSL 10 encounter

Sahibzada Farhan's fifty, followed by Jason Holder's four-wicket haul, propelled Islamabad United to rout Multan Sultans in the 7th match of PSL 10 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.   

In reply to a massive 202 total, the Sultans’ batting line unfolded on a meagre 155 in 18.4 overs despite captain Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmad's resistance.

Multan did not have the best of starts, losing Shai Hope (1) in the first over. 

After an early wicket, Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan steadied the Sultans in a big chase.

The duo formed a 59 partnership on 32 balls to lift them to 62, before Usman’s dismissal on the next ball of the powerplay.

However, Rizwan continued taking his team’s score to 92 in the 10th.

He formed another partnership of 30 runs with Kamran Ghulam, who was caught off Holder’s bowling on the score of 17.

The wicket opened the door for Islamabad United, as Multan Sultans failed to recover and lost wickets at regular intervals.

Rizwan was out on 38 off 27 balls, laced with three fours and one six.

After his departure, none of the Sultan’s batters could score significantly, except Iftikhar Ahmed, who fought well with his 32 off 26 balls.

For Islamabad United, it was an all-round bowling effort led by Jason Holder, who took four wickets for 25 in four overs, while Imad Wasim supported him well with his two wickets.

Earlier, Multan Sultans skipper Mohammad Rizwan opted to bowl first, which proved costly for their bowlers as Islamabad United posted 202 for losing six wickets in 20 overs.  

The opening pair of Farhan and Andries Gous (nine) gave United a solid platform to post a massive total by putting together 45 runs in 4.4 overs until the latter fell victim to David Willey. 

Farhan then shared a 35-run partnership for the second wicket with Colin Munro and walked back in the ninth over after top-scoring for the United with a 36-ball 53, laced with seven fours and two sixes.

Munro perished in the 16th over after making 48 runs off 25 deliveries with the help of four fours and three sixes.

Following his dismissal, returning Haider Ali and all-rounder Jason Holder added valuable runs at the backend by adding a quickfire 49 runs for the sixth wicket.

Haider smashed three fours and two sixes on his way to a 16-ball 33.

For Sultans, Chris Jordan picked up two wickets for 41 runs in his four overs, while Ubaid Shah, Usama Mir, and Willey claimed one wicket apiece.

Earlier, the match was started half an hour late due to the wet outfield, and when the coin flip finally happened, it went in Multan's way, who opted to bowl first.

Shadab Khan’s Islamabad United started their campaign on a high note, securing convincing wins against Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi.

Their balanced side and early momentum make them strong contenders.

Multan Sultans, however, will be eager to regroup after a tough loss to Karachi Kings.

Led by Pakistan’s ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Multan will look to bounce back and gain crucial points today.

Islamabad United have made three changes as Muhammad Shahzad, Riley Meredith, and Haider Ali come in for Ben Dwarshuis, Saad Masood, and Salman Ali Agha.
 

Playing XIs

Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (cap), Jason Holder, Muhammad Shahzad, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith
 
Two changes for Multan Sultans. Shahid Aziz and Akif Javed are replaced by Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Hasnain.
 
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (cap & wk), Shai Hope, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Hasnain