RAWALPINDI: Haider Ali’s half-century helped defending champions Northern to register a 39-run win over Balochistan during their National T20 Cup encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a huge target of 200 runs, Balochistan openers Imamul Haq and Awais Zia provided their side with a solid foundation after making a partnership of 69 runs.
Imam was the first to depart courtesy of a run-out after scoring 35 off 22 deliveries. Later, Shadab Khan removed Awais Zia in the next over. Shadab Khan then removed the hard-hitting batsman Bismillah Khan for a golden duck.
Captain Haris Sohail played an enterprising knock of 28 runs off 19 deliveries but fell to fast-bowler Sohail Tanvir before he could convert it into a substantial score. Mohammad Ismail and Shadab Khan took two wickets.
Earlier, Northern won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision paid dividends as openers Haider Ali and Ali Imran propelled their side to an excellent start.
Haider produced a breathtaking knock as he scored 86 off 50 balls to help Northern post 199-6 in their allotted 20 overs. For the bowling team, pacer Amad Butt was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with figures of 2 for 29.
