Shahzad leads Afghanistan home

Afghanistan registered a hard-fought four wicket win over Netherlands to continue its impressive showing in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, Afghanistan led by Mohammad Shahzad's 44-ball 54 overhauled Netherlands' score of 149-6.

Opting to bat first in the Twenty20 International, Netherlands posted what seemed to be a par score of 149-6 in its 20 overs.

The key contributor for Netherlands was Alexei Kervezee (58 n.o.: 43b, 3x6) who held the innings together very well.

The main wicket-taker for Afghanistan was Izatullah Dawlatzai (3-33).

In its reply, Afghanistan lost early wickets, but Shahzad (54: 44b, 8x4) controlled the chase well. Shahzad added 58 runs for the third wicket with skipper Nawroz Mangal (26).

For Netherlands, Mudassar Bukhari (2-12) and Ahsan Malik (3-32) picked up the wickets.

Man of the Match Shahzad was thrilled with his effort. "We had a clear plan when we out for the chase. I think it worked out well because I had to do the hitting. The others like Nawroz Mangal and Mohammad Nabi batted around me. I think 150 was a good score to chase since this effort will come in handy during the later stages of the tournament. The team is buoyed by this effort and wants to keep up the momentum."

Brief Scores

Netherlands 149-6, 20 overs (Alexei Kervezee 58 n.o., Michael Swart 22; Izatullah Dawlatzai 3-33)

Afghanistan 150-6, 19.4 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 54, Nawroz Mangal 26, Mohammad Nabi 22; Mudassar Bukhari 2-12, Ahsan Malik 2-32)

Result: Afghanistan won by four wickets

Man of the Match: Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan)