Two teams with very different trajectories meet in Rawalpindi for what promises to be a feisty encounter. Islamabad United, unbeaten so far, have hit the ground running with a string of commanding performances powered by their in-form top order and a dynamic bowling attack. Sahibzada Farhan’s hundred and Jason Holder’s new-ball burst have key.
Multan Sultans, meanwhile, are in regroup mode after a stinging defeat against Karachi Kings. Rizwan’s team will need their experienced names like Iftikhar and Jordan to step up. With the pitch likely to favour batters early on and dew possibly playing a role, winning the toss could prove vital. Expect spin to play a big part in the second innings, based on early trends at this venue.
Match Details: Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans
| Fixture | Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans – Match 7, PSL 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, April 16 |
| Time | 7:30 PM PKT, 8:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Weather | Clear skies, 22–26°C expected |
| Live Streaming | Tapmad, Fancode, SonyLIV |
Pitch & Conditions – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Flat decks and quick outfields have made Rawalpindi a high-scoring venue over the years. That trend has continued in PSL 2025, although teams batting first have enjoyed more success. With the pitch expected to slow down later and assist spinners, putting runs on the board could again be the preferred strategy.
Pacers vs Spinners – PSL 2025 (First 4 Matches)
| Type | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | 4 | 24 | 33.20 | 10.19 | 19.5 |
| Spin | 4 | 30 | 18.63 | 8.14 | 13.7 |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Inns Score | 170–190 |
| Best Time to Bat | Powerplay & Middle Overs |
| Straight Boundaries | 66m approx |
| Square Boundaries | One short (60m), one long (72m) |
| Expected Dew | Moderate – likely in 2nd innings |
Islamabad United – Team Watch
Shadab Khan’s men have found early rhythm with both bat and ball. Sahibzada Farhan’s purple patch and Colin Munro’s brisk starts have provided solid platforms. With Holder and Naseem leading the pace attack, and Imad and Shadab handling spin duties, IU look settled.
Farhan’s battle with left-arm pacer Akif Javed could be crucial up front. Rizwan’s average against IU is 36.9, but he’ll be wary of the spin choke from Shadab and Imad, especially during the middle overs.
Probable XI:
Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith
Multan Sultans – Team Watch
Multan looked listless in their last outing but have the firepower to bounce back. Rizwan and Usman Khan at the top will be key, with Iftikhar and Bracewell providing muscle in the middle. Jordan and Willey need to find early breakthroughs if MS are to contain a strong IU top order.
Shadab’s stellar record against Multan (17 wickets in 15 games) makes him a threat. Bracewell could play a bigger role if spin dominates the second innings.
Probable XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Shai Hope, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Shahid Aziz, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Akif Javed
Head-to-Head – Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans
| Total Matches | 16 |
|---|---|
| Islamabad United Wins | 8 |
| Multan Sultans Wins | 8 |
Evenly matched over the years, this contest promises fireworks.
Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans: Dream11 Top Fantasy Picks
Wicket Keepers:
- Mohammad Rizwan (C/VC) – Scored a century earlier in the season; consistent performer at Rawalpindi
- Sahibzada Farhan (C/VC) – In the form of his life, coming off a stunning century
Batters:
- Colin Munro – Aggressive left-hander with strong starts this season
- Kamran Ghulam – Versatile middle-order batter who adapts to match situations
All-Rounders:
- Shadab Khan (C/VC) – Match-winner with bat and ball; has excellent numbers vs Multan
- Imad Wasim – Powerplay operator and can chip in with the bat
- Jason Holder – Wicket-taking threat and useful finisher
- Michael Bracewell – Can change the game in both departments
- Salman Agha – Dynamic contributor in all three facets of the game
Bowlers:
- Usama Mir – Has the variations to trouble big hitters
- Akif Javed – Left-arm pacer who has impressed with the new ball
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:
- Mohammad Rizwan – Strong record at this venue
- Sahibzada Farhan – Red-hot form
- Shadab Khan – All-round potential and proven PSL record
Editor's Pick
Cricket
RCB vs KKR LIVE Score, IPL 2025: Rain returns in Bengaluru, cut-off 10:56 PM
Top Stories
