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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is heating up, and the 13th match promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Multan Sultans face off against Islamabad United. Both teams come into this game with contrasting forms; while Islamabad United has been unstoppable with four consecutive wins, Multan Sultans have struggled but managed to secure their first win in the previous game. In this article, we will analyze both teams’ recent performances, key players, probable playing XIs, pitch conditions, toss prediction, and fantasy team suggestions.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Number | 13 |
| Teams | Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United |
| Date & Time | April 23, 2025 |
| Venue | Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan |
Team Previews
Multan Sultans Preview
Mohammad Rizwan’s side finally broke their losing streak by defeating Lahore Qalandars in their last outing. However, the bowling department remains a concern despite occasional brilliance from bowlers like Ubaid Shah and Michael Bracewell. The batting lineup looks promising, with Yasir Khan leading from the front after scoring a blistering 87 in the last game. Usman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed provide stability in the middle order, while Ashton Turner adds firepower towards the death overs.
The bowling attack needs improvement, especially against strong batting lineups like Islamabad United. David Willey and Michael Bracewell must step up to deliver early breakthroughs. Spinners Usama Mir and Iftikhar Ahmed could play a crucial role on this turning track.
Islamabad United Preview
Shadab Khan’s men are in scintillating form, having won all four of their matches so far. Their top-order dominance was evident in the last game, where Sahibzada Farhan and Azam Khan laid a solid foundation. Colin Munro provides experience at No. 3, while Jason Holder and Imad Wasim strengthen the lower-middle order.
The bowling unit, led by Naseem Shah and Ben Dwarshuis, has been clinical. Shadab Khan himself contributes significantly with his leg-spin, making them a well-rounded team. With momentum on their side, Islamabad United enters this clash as favorites.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons for Winning |
|---|---|
| Islamabad United | Strong batting depth, consistent performances across departments, and favorable head-to-head record. |
Why Islamabad United?
Islamabad United’s balanced squad and confidence from recent victories make them overwhelming favorites. Their bowlers have consistently delivered under pressure, and their batsmen are firing on all cylinders. On the other hand, Multan Sultans’ inconsistency with the ball might cost them dearly on this flat batting surface.
Fantasy Team XI
Fantasy Team Table:
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan | WK/Batsman | Multan Sultans |
| Azam Khan | Batsman | Islamabad United |
| Yasir Khan | Batsman | Multan Sultans |
| Colin Munro | All-Rounder | Islamabad United |
| Shadab Khan | All-Rounder | Islamabad United |
| Jason Holder | All-Rounder | Islamabad United |
| Ubaid Shah | Bowler | Multan Sultans |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler | Islamabad United |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Bowler | Islamabad United |
| Usama Mir | Bowler | Multan Sultans |
| Joshua Little | Bowler | Multan Sultans |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI balances both teams’ strengths. Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan bring consistency from Multan, while Azam Khan and Colin Munro ensure firepower from Islamabad. Shadab Khan and Jason Holder add all-round value, while bowlers like Naseem Shah and Ubaid Shah offer wicket-taking options.
Captain and Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Shadab Khan – His all-round abilities and current form make him an ideal choice. Shadab has been instrumental with both bat and ball, contributing crucial runs in the middle order and picking up wickets with his leg-spin.
- Vice-Captain: Azam Khan – The wicketkeeper-batsman has been in stellar form, providing explosive starts at the top of the order. His ability to clear the boundary consistently makes him a valuable asset.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
- Iftikhar Ahmed (Multan Sultans): While he scored well in the last game, his inconsistency over the tournament makes him a risky pick. His contributions have been sporadic, and against a strong bowling attack like Islamabad United’s, he might struggle.
- Usman Khan (Multan Sultans): Although capable of big hits, Usman Khan has not been reliable enough this season. With better options available in the fantasy lineup, he is best avoided.
Team Squads
Multan Sultans Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ashton Turner, David Willey, Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah, Joshua Little, Khushdil Shah, Sohaib Maqsood, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Imran.
Islamabad United Squad:
Shadab Khan (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Azam Khan (wk), Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Jason Holder, Muhammad Shahzad, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Zafar Gohar, Waqas Maqsood, Hasan Ali.
Probable Playing XIs
| Multan Sultans | Islamabad United |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk) | Shadab Khan (c) |
| Yasir Khan | Sahibzada Farhan |
| Usman Khan | Azam Khan (wk) |
| Kamran Ghulam | Colin Munro |
| Michael Bracewell | Haider Ali |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | Mohammad Nawaz |
| Ashton Turner | Jason Holder |
| David Willey | Muhammad Shahzad |
| Usama Mir | Imad Wasim |
| Ubaid Shah | Ben Dwarshuis |
| Joshua Little | Naseem Shah |
Pitch Report
The Multan Cricket Stadium is known for its flat batting surface that allows stroke-makers to play freely. The average first-innings score on this ground is around 168, but teams often aim for totals closer to 200 to feel secure. Spinners tend to dominate in the second half of the innings due to the turn and bounce available. Fast bowlers need to use variations effectively to extract any assistance from the wicket.
Toss Prediction
Historically, teams prefer to bat first at Multan Cricket Stadium, given that chasing has proven difficult in recent games. Out of the last six matches, only one team successfully chased down a target here. Winning the toss and opting to bat first seems like the logical choice.
Winner Prediction
While Multan Sultans showed glimpses of improvement in their last game, their inconsistent bowling could be their undoing against Islamabad United’s formidable batting lineup. Islamabad United, riding high on confidence with four consecutive wins, look poised to continue their winning streak.
Predicted Winner: Islamabad United
Islamabad United’s balance between bat and ball, coupled with their current momentum, gives them the edge in this encounter. Expect another commanding performance from Shadab Khan’s men as they march toward securing a playoff spot early in the tournament.
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