Willey Out; Rizwan To Bring In Motie? Multan Sultans Probable XI Vs Islamabad United

MUL Probable XI vs ISL [Source: @SyedWaqarsuch, @MultanSultans/x.com]

After a heartbreaking loss in a run-fest against Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans are all set to face Islamabad United in Match 7 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 on Wednesday, April 16 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match will kick off at 8:30 PM IST.

Despite putting up a colossal 234/3 on the board, thanks to a scintillating ton from skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Multan’s bowlers had no answers for James Vince’s fireworks and ended up on the wrong side of the result. The loss stung and now, they will be itching to bounce back strong.

With form in the batting camp and pressure on the bowlers, getting the playing XI right will be crucial. Here's a look at Multan Sultans’ probable playing XI against a high-flying Islamabad United side.

Rizwan And Hope To Open; Usman At No. 3

Mohammad Rizwan, fresh from an unbeaten ton, will continue to open. The Multan skipper in sublime touch and will be key against a fiery Islamabad bowling unit. Partnering him will likely be Shai Hope, who had an off day last game, falling cheaply for 8. But he is too good a player to miss out again. If these two click up top, Islamabad’s bowlers could be in for a long night.

Usman Khan didn’t explode last game, but he looked busy during his 19 off 15. He was one of Multan’s best batters last season and has the game to anchor or accelerate depending on the situation.

Middle Order Muscle With Ghulam, Bracewell And Iftikhar

The middle overs need some firepower and that’s exactly what Kamran Ghulam and Michael Bracewell bring. Ghulam scored a brisk 36* off 19 in the last match while Bracewell tore into the death overs with a 44 off just 17 balls*. Add Iftikhar Ahmed to this mix and you have got a middle order that can seriously hurt teams.

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Tayyab Tahir In For Shahid Aziz

Shahid Aziz had a forgettable outing with the ball, leaking 32 in 2 overs. Multan could look to bring in Tayyab Tahir, who is known for his explosive strokeplay and gives the lineup more batting depth without compromising on flexibility. With both Iftikhar and Bracewell capable of bowling, there is no urgent need for a fifth specialist bowler.

Table - Tayyab Tahir T20 Stats

Willey Out, Motie Or Josh Little In

David Willey struggled big time in the last match, conceding 40 runs in 2 overs. It may be time for a change. Gudakesh Motie, with his ability to bowl inside the Powerplay and pick up early wickets, could be a strong option. If Multan want to stick with pace, Josh Little might be a straight swap. Either way, it is hard to see Willey getting another go so soon after that showing.

Table - Gudakesh Motie & Josh Little IPL Stats

Jordan, Usama And Akif To Round Off The Attack

Chris Jordan had a night to forget with the ball but remains their go-to man at the death. Expect Multan to back him. Usama Mir was steady with figures of 1/30 in 4 overs and Akif Javed was the pick of the bowlers with 3/41, even though he was a bit expensive. These three will once again be crucial in controlling the middle and back-end of the innings.

Multan Sultans Probable Playing XI vs Islamabad United

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Shai Hope, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Gudakesh Motie / Josh Little, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Akif Javed

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