The Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United rivalry is a modern PSL classic built on contrast, growth, and competitive balance. Islamabad United entered the league as pioneers and champions, while Multan Sultans arrived later with patience and long-term vision. What followed was not dominance, but evolution.
Each season added new layers of tension, tactical battles, and defining performances that reshaped this matchup. Today, their clashes represent how quickly power dynamics can shift in franchise cricket.
This in-depth timeline covers the rivalry’s origin, season-by-season evolution, head-to-head records, iconic matches, key players, and why Multan vs Islamabad has become one of PSL’s most anticipated fixtures.
Overview of the Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United Rivalry
The rivalry is driven by opposing identities. Islamabad United symbolize PSL’s early success with fearless cricket and smart recruitment, while Multan Sultans reflect structured team-building and consistency. Over time, these philosophies collided to create closely fought encounters rather than one-sided results.
Both sides rely heavily on leadership, adaptable tactics, and local talent, making every meeting unpredictable and competitive.
Key rivalry traits
- Competitive balance: Margins often decided in final overs
- Tactical depth: Smart use of spin, pace rotation, and matchups
- Leadership impact: Captains and all-rounders shaping outcomes
How the Rivalry Began (PSL 2018)
Multan Sultans joined PSL in 2018, facing an Islamabad United side already crowned champions. Early matches reflected the experience gap, with Islamabad controlling tempo through aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.
However, Multan showed resilience, learning quickly from defeats and competing strongly in middle overs. These first encounters laid the foundation for a rivalry centered on adaptation rather than prolonged dominance.
Early phase highlights
- Experience edge: Islamabad capitalized on pressure moments
- Learning curve: Multan struggled with finishing chases
- Future promise: Competitive spells hinted at long-term growth
Teams Overview
Islamabad United
Islamabad United are PSL’s trendsetters, known for bold cricket and smart talent identification. Their willingness to back young players has delivered consistent success.
- Founded: 2016
- Home Ground: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- PSL Titles: 2 (2016, 2018)
- Core strengths: Explosive batting, flexible bowling attacks
Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans focused on patience and balance, building a squad capable of sustained success rather than short-term impact.
- Founded: 2018
- Home Ground: Multan Cricket Stadium
- PSL Titles: 1 (2021)
- Core strengths: Solid top order, pace depth, tactical discipline
Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United Head-to-Head Record (PSL)
Over time, the gap between the two sides narrowed as Multan matured into champions.
| Category | Record |
| Total Matches Played | 14 |
| Islamabad United Wins | 8 |
| Multan Sultans Wins | 6 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Highest Team Score | 220+ (Multan Sultans) |
| Lowest Team Score | Below 100 (Multan Sultans) |
Islamabad dominated early seasons, while Multan gained control after 2020.
Season-by-Season Timeline
PSL 2018 – Rivalry Begins
Islamabad relied on experience to overpower a new Multan side, setting early dominance.
- Venue: Dubai
- Winner: Islamabad United
- Key Performer: Luke Ronchi
PSL 2019 – Signs of Growth
Multan improved tactically but struggled to close matches under pressure.
- Venue: Dubai
- Winner: Islamabad United
- Player of the Match: Shadab Khan
PSL 2020 – Turning Point
Multan recorded a statement victory, signaling a shift in momentum.
- Venue: Multan
- Winner: Multan Sultans
- Key Performer: Shahid Afridi
PSL 2021 – Multan’s Rise
A Rizwan-led side dominated Islamabad and went on to lift their maiden PSL title.
- Venue: Abu Dhabi
- Winner: Multan Sultans
- Standout Player: Mohammad Rizwan
PSL 2022 – High-Scoring Clash
Islamabad staged a late comeback in a batting-heavy contest.
- Venue: Karachi
- Winner: Islamabad United
- Key Player: Asif Ali
PSL 2023 – Balanced Contest
Young talent influenced the result as the rivalry reached parity.
- Venue: Rawalpindi
- Winner: Multan Sultans
- Player of the Match: Ihsanullah
PSL 2024 – Rivalry Peak
Multan dominated at home with crowd support and a record partnership.
- Venue: Multan
- Winner: Multan Sultans
PSL 2025 – Islamabad’s Statement Win
Islamabad reasserted authority with a commanding all-round performance.
- Venue: Rawalpindi
- Result: Islamabad United won by 47 runs
- Player of the Match: Jason Holder
Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United – Match 7 Scorecard & Key Timeline (PSL 2025)
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | PSL 2025 – Match 7 |
| Date | April 16, 2025 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Toss | Multan Sultans won, elected to field |
| Result | Islamabad United won by 47 runs |
| Player of the Match | Jason Holder |
| Islamabad United Batting | Score |
|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | 53 |
| Andries Gous | 9 |
| Colin Munro | 48 (25) |
| Haider Ali | Late flourish |
| Jason Holder | Late flourish |
| Total | 202/6 (20 overs) |
| Multan Sultans Batting (Chase) | Score |
|---|---|
| Shai Hope | Early dismissal |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Anchor role |
| Usman Khan | 31 |
| Total | 155 all out (18.4 overs) |
| Key Bowling Performances | Figures / Impact |
|---|---|
| Jason Holder (IU) | 4 wickets, middle & death overs |
| Naseem Shah (IU) | Early breakthrough |
| Usama Mir (MS) | Key wicket of Farhan |
| Key Match Moments | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Opening Platform | Farhan & Gous added 45 |
| Momentum Shift | Farhan dismissed after fifty |
| Death Overs | Holder & Haider boosted total |
| Collapse | Holder ran through MS middle order |
| Final Outcome | IU won comfortably by 47 runs |
Most Memorable Matches in the Rivalry
Certain matches reshaped belief and momentum.
Defining encounters
- PSL 2020 breakthrough: Multan’s first major win
- PSL 2021 dominance: Title-defining performance
- PSL 2024 home clash: Crowd-driven victory
High-Scoring Thrillers Between Multan and Islamabad
Flat pitches and aggressive intent have produced explosive contests.
Batting trends
- Powerplay dominance: Early momentum critical
- Middle-over acceleration: Attacking spinners
- Death-over execution: Finishers deciding games
Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United – Match 13 Scorecard & Key Timeline (PSL 2025)
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | PSL 2025 – Match 13 |
| Date | April 23, 2025 |
| Venue | Multan Cricket Stadium |
| Toss | Multan Sultans won, elected to bat |
| Result | Islamabad United won by 7 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Andries Gous |
| Multan Sultans Batting | Score |
|---|---|
| Yasir Khan | 29 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 36 |
| Usman Khan | 61 |
| Kamran Ghulam | Late flourish |
| Total | 168/5 (20 overs) |
| Islamabad United Batting (Chase) | Score |
|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | 22 |
| Andries Gous | 80* (45 balls) |
| Colin Munro | Supporting role |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Finishing contribution |
| Total | 169/3 (17.1 overs) |
| Key Match Moments | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Opening Stand | Yasir Khan & Rizwan added 51 |
| Middle Overs | Rizwan–Usman partnership of 65 |
| Turning Point | Rizwan dismissed by Shadab Khan |
| Chase Momentum | Gous dominated with fearless hitting |
| Final Outcome | Islamabad won with 17 balls remaining |
Low-Scoring Nail-Biters That Defined the Rivalry
Bowling-friendly conditions delivered tense finishes.
Bowling-driven factors
- Spin choke: Middle overs control
- Death bowling: Yorkers under pressure
- Fielding impact: Run-outs changing games
Iconic Performances in Multan vs Islamabad Matches
Individual brilliance often turned seasons.
Standout players
- Mohammad Rizwan: Calm, match-winning consistency
- Shadab Khan: Game-changing all-round impact
- Jason Holder: Big-match temperament
Batting Battles That Shaped Key Encounters
Elite matchups define momentum.
Key battles
- Rizwan vs pace: Technical mastery
- Munro and Ronchi: Explosive Islamabad starts
- Middle-order depth: Strike rotation vs power
Bowlers Who Turned Games
| Bowler | Team | Impact |
| Shadab Khan | Islamabad United | Control and wickets |
| Ihsanullah | Multan Sultans | Extreme pace threat |
| Jason Holder | Islamabad United | All-phase effectiveness |
Home and Away Performance Trends
Venue conditions often dictate outcomes.
Patterns
- Multan: Strong home dominance
- Rawalpindi: Islamabad thrives on pace
- Neutral venues: Toss plays major role
Recent Seasons Performance (2021–2025)
Recent years show balance rather than dominance.
Trends
- Multan: Stability and consistency
- Islamabad: Explosive but variable
- Overall: Close margins decide games
Why This Rivalry Is Special in PSL
This matchup reflects PSL’s competitive evolution.
What sets it apart
- New franchise rising against early champions
- Strong domestic talent development
- Tactical intelligence on display
Conclusion
The Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United timeline is a story of growth, resilience, and shifting power in the PSL. From Islamabad’s early dominance to Multan’s championship rise, this rivalry captures the league’s competitive spirit. As PSL continues to evolve, these encounters remain must-watch fixtures defined by strategy, talent, and pressure cricket.
