In a dominant display, Islamabad United continued their unbeaten run in the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League 2024, defeating Multan Sultans by 47 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A stellar all-round performance by Jason Holder was the highlight of the match, as the former West Indies captain not only played a pivotal role with the bat but also led with the ball, claiming 4-25.
Holder’s impactful cameo with the bat included a quickfire 32 off just 14 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes. This helped Islamabad United reach a competitive total of 202-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Holder’s contribution with the ball was just as crucial as he dismantled the Multan batting lineup, taking key wickets and restricting them to just 155 runs in their chase of 203.
United’s innings were propelled by a solid start from Sahibzada Farhan, who scored an elegant 53 off 35 balls, laced with seven fours and two sixes. Colin Munro also played an important knock, contributing 48 off 25 balls with four fours and three sixes, while Haider Ali added 33 off 16 balls, ensuring that Islamabad set a challenging total. Holder’s explosive cameo at the end added the finishing touch, ensuring that United reached a formidable total.
Farhan’s opening partnership with Rahmanullah Gurbaz was key as they took United to 62-1 in the powerplay. Farhan brought up his second consecutive half-century with a four off pacer Mohammad Hasnain, but his stay was cut short by Usama Mir. Munro, who had been looking dangerous, fell to pacer Ubaid Shah, but the late order cameos from Haider Ali and Holder powered the total to 202-6.
In response, Multan Sultans got off to a steady start, posting 62-2 in the powerplay. Usman Khan top-scored for Multan with 31 runs off 20 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan also contributed 38 runs. However, the Sultans lost wickets at crucial moments in their chase. After Holder removed Kamran Ghulam, the key blow came when Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed by United’s Shadab Khan for 38.
Multan’s chase then crumbled as they lost five wickets for just 35 runs, with Holder playing a starring role by claiming three of those wickets. The Sultans were eventually bowled out for 155, leaving Islamabad United to secure a dominant 47-run victory.
The win keeps Islamabad United firmly at the top of the table with a perfect record, having won all three of their matches so far. On the other hand, Multan Sultans, who were finalists in the last three seasons, remain winless and will need to regroup quickly ahead of their upcoming matches.
With this commanding performance, Islamabad United continues to assert their dominance in the tournament, making them strong contenders for another playoff spot.
