KABUL (PAN): Muhammad Shahzad hammered a glorious century to guide Afghanistan to a six-wicket triumph over the Netherland in a One-Day International (ODI) played at Amstelveen on Tuesday.

As a result of the emphatic overnight victory, Afghans leveled the two-match series with the hosts. Shahzad faced 112 balls to score a quick-fire 110 -- his first-ever ODI century, the national coach said on Wednesday.

Speaking exclusively to Pajhwok Afghan News over the telephone from Holland, Kabir Khan said the hosts won the toss and decided to bat. But given the match outcome, the decision to bat first came under question.

Although Eric Szwarczynski (65) and Doeschate (98 not out) helped the Netherlands post a total of 231 for seven in the allotted 50 overs, Afghans raced to the target for the loss of only four wickets.

Captain Nawroz Mangal, who took three wickets for 35 in six overs, was the pick of Afghan bowlers. But it was Shahzad whose century provided the foundation for Afghanistan's six-wicket win.

His ton overshadowed fine batting performances from Szwarczynski and Doeschate. The Afghan run-chase got off to a slow start with Noor Ali (15) being dismissed early by Mudassar Bukhari.

Shahzad then took over and was well supported in his debut ODI century by Asghar Stanikzai (30) and Samiullah Shenwari (39) as the visitors reached the target with 20 balls to spare.

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