Northern batsman Haider Ali says his plan was to play every ball on its merit and get runs through his strong shots.

Haider Ali's quickfire half-century played a vital role as Northern eased past Balochistan in the opening game of the National T20 Cup. Haider, batting at three, blazed his way to a blistering 58 off 41 balls after openers Zeeshan Malik and Umar Amin were dismissed quickly.

"My plan was simple and it was to play every ball on its merit and deal accordingly," he said in a post-match interview. "I tried to carry on my strong shots and got runs."

Haider and Asif then combined to add 51 runs for the unbeaten fifth wicket partnership to ensure a smooth ride for their side.

Haider struck seven fours and two sixes in his 41-ball knock while Asif played the perfect finisher role by hammering four sixes and three fours in his 20-ball innings. 

"My game is hard-hitting and whatever the team requires from me, I have to play accordingly. If the team requires me to hit fours and sixes, I will act accordingly or if the team requires me to bat deep and keep wickets in hand. So that is the plan and the mindset."

The young batsman also urged the fans to come to the stadium and support their favorite teams.

"Fans were missing cricket due to coronavirus but now the PCB has allowed the people to come and they should support us."