PSL: Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by 47 runs to extend winning run

Dubai: Opener Sahibzada Farhan extended his impressive run in the Pakistan Super League and an all-round show from Jason Holder guided Islamabad United to their third straight win on Wednesday.

The defending champions defeated Multan Sultans by 47 runs to continue their winning streak in PSL 10.

Holder, after a late cameo that boosted Islamabad’s total, returned with the ball to end Multan’s hopes with a four-wicket haul.

“It was a good game of cricket. We were tested a bit more in this game, but we responded well. The team is just building quite nicely, we just need to continue on the same way, and just look for areas to keep improving,” the West Indian all-rounder told the official broadcaster after receiving the Player of the Match award.

“We’re just trying to read the pace; it is quite tough to get in and strike from ball one. We always felt like you needed at least 5 or 6 balls to get the timing. That was the message that was relayed back in the dressing room. So I was trying to just find a pace early on, and luckily I was able to get the big shots and gain some momentum.”

Skipper Mohammed Rizwan and Usman Khan led Multan’s spirited chase despite losing Shai Hope in the first over to Naseem Shah. But despite getting starts, none of the Multan batters were able to convert them into a big innings, and the team was bowled out for 155 in 18.4 overs. Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with 32, but three batters fell in the 30s.

Put in to bat, Farhan — fresh off his century against Peshawar Zalmi — broke the shackles early to give United the right start. He and Colin Munro once again stitched together a crucial second-wicket stand, and even after Usama Mir removed Farhan, Islamabad didn’t take their foot off the pedal, finishing on 202 for six.

Haider Ali and Holder made the most of some wayward bowling at the death, smashing 64 runs in the final four overs. England all-rounder Chris Jordan picked up two wickets but proved a touch expensive.

Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by 47 runs. Islamabad United 202 for 6 (Farhan 53, Munro 48, Jordan 4-41) Multan Sultans 155 all out (Rizwan 38, Holder 4-25, Wasim 2-33).