PSL 2025, Match 7 Review: Jason Holder's all-round heroics propel Islamabad to third straight win

Islamabad United continued their brilliant run in the 2025 Pakistan Super League with a comprehensive 47-run win over Multan Sultans in Rawalpindi, thanks to an all-round contribution from Jason Holder. The West Indian star was impressive with both bat and ball, smashing a 14-ball 32* before ending with figures of 4 for 25 and taking two catches.

Opting to bowl first, Multan made an instant impact. David Willey removed Andries Gous, but Sahibzada Farhan, coming off a century against Peshawar, quickly got settled. He went after Michael Bracewell, scoring 15 in both the fourth and sixth overs. His 35-ball 53 provided a solid start, despite falling to Usama Mir soon after reaching his fifty.

United’s innings faced some trouble in the middle as Shadab Khan and Azam Khan became the victims of Chris Jordan, while Colin Munro managed to add 48 off 25 before Ubaid Shah removed him with a short ball. From there, Haider Ali and Jason Holder hammered Multan’s bowling attack, accumulating 64 runs in the last four overs. Haider hit Jordan for three consecutive boundaries, while Holder managed a four and a six off Ubaid. Their late cameo took United to 202/6 their second consecutive 200-plus total.

Multan's reply was far from ideal, as Naseem Shah dissmised Shai Hope in the first over. But the Sultans quickly stabilised their innings, with Usman Khan and Mohammad Rizwan putting up a 59-run stand. However, Imad Wasim removed Usman for 31 off 20. Soon after, Rizwan perished for 38 off 27 thanks to Shadab Khan. Michael Bracewell and Iftikhar Ahmed showed some fight, adding 24 runs to the tally. But Holder had Kamran Ghulam caught, cleaned up Usama Mir and Mohammad Hasnain, and also ended David Willey's innings. From 92/2, the Sultans collapsed to 155 all out in 18.4 overs.