Jason Holder Shines as Islamabad United Beat Multan Sultans | PSL 2025 Match 7

Jason Holder’s All-Round Brilliance Powers Islamabad United Past Multan Sultans in PSL 2025

Summary
Jason Holder delivered a complete performance in Rawalpindi as Islamabad United extended their unbeaten streak with a dominant 47-run win over Multan Sultans in Match 7 of HBL PSL X 2025. A blistering cameo with the bat and a four-wicket haul showcased Holder's class and propelled United to the top of the table.

Holder’s Heroics Lead Islamabad United to Third Straight Victory

A chilly Rawalpindi evening turned electric as Islamabad United put on a show of dominance in their third match of PSL 2025, dismantling Multan Sultans by 47 runs. The hero of the night was none other than Jason Holder, who reminded the league and the fans why he's one of the most dependable all-rounders in world cricket.

With three wins in a row, United now sits firmly at the top of the PSL X standings, riding the wave of collective team performance, clever captaincy, and Holder's unmatched impact on both ends of the pitch.

Building the Platform: Farhan and Munro Blaze Early

Sent in to bat after losing the toss, United made full use of a true batting surface at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Once again, Sahibzada Farhan, the leading run-scorer of the tournament so far, laid the foundation with a composed yet aggressive 53 off 35 balls. His innings, filled with seven crisp boundaries and two towering sixes, allowed United to get ahead in the early exchanges.

At the other end, Colin Munro complemented Farhan with a blistering 48 from just 25 deliveries. The left-hander’s free-flowing strokeplay including four fours and three sixes kept the scoring rate healthy. The duo stitched a key 35-run stand that set up the middle order to capitalize later.

Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Islamabad held their nerve. Brief cameos by skipper Shadab Khan and Haider Ali added tempo, but the innings’ highlight came in the final phase.

Finishing Fireworks: Holder and Haider Unleash the Final Assault

The last four overs saw Islamabad United pile on 64 runs a passage that completely shifted momentum. It was here that Jason Holder made his first major mark of the match. Coming in at No. 7, he smashed 32 not out off just 14 balls, striking with a jaw-dropping strike rate of 228.57.

Equally impactful was Haider Ali, who scored a rapid 33 off 16, featuring three boundaries and two massive sixes. Their partnership ensured United breached the 200-run mark, finishing with a strong total of 202/6 in 20 overs.

Early Wickets Derail Multan’s Response

Multan Sultans, facing a stiff target, were dealt an early blow when Shai Hope departed in the very first over to a fiery delivery from Naseem Shah. That early wicket shook their approach, but the pairing of Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan offered a brief glimmer of hope.

Their counterattack yielded a 59-run stand in just over five overs. Usman’s 31 (20 balls) and Rizwan’s 38 (27 balls) were impressive in isolation, but once Imad Wasim dismissed Usman and Shadab trapped Rizwan, the Sultans crumbled under pressure.

Holder’s Masterclass With the Ball

If his batting wasn’t enough, Jason Holder’s spell with the ball was surgical. He dismantled the lower order with skill and precision, finishing with figures of 4-0-29-4. His victims included David Willey, Usama Mir, and Mohammad Hasnain, whose dismissals effectively closed the door on any potential Sultans fightback.

Holder’s variation and control were on full display. Whether it was the clever use of slower balls or the pinpoint yorkers, he bowled like a man with a plan and he executed it flawlessly.

Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan Offer Tactical Edge

Beyond Holder’s brilliance, Islamabad’s bowling attack was steered astutely by captain Shadab Khan, who not only rotated his bowlers smartly but contributed with a key wicket of Rizwan. Imad Wasim was another unsung hero, bagging 2 for 33, including the crucial breakthrough of Usman Khan just when Sultans looked dangerous.

The spinners combined for seven economical overs and never allowed Multan to gain sustained momentum in the chase.

Table Talk: Islamabad Unbeaten, Multan Under Pressure

With this win, Islamabad United remains unbeaten in PSL X, topping the points table and sending a strong message to the rest of the league. Their squad looks balanced, their strategies clear, and their finishing firepower unmatched so far.

In contrast, Multan Sultans now find themselves winless in two games. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan has looked in form, but the support cast has been inconsistent, and their bowling unit hasn’t yet found rhythm. They’ll need a rapid regroup ahead of their next fixture to avoid slipping into an early tournament rut.