Hong Kong pacer Ayush Shukla made history at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur by becoming the third bowler ever to deliver four maidens in a T20 International (T20I) match. In a remarkable performance against Mongolia, Shukla finished with exceptional figures of 4-4-0-1, cementing his place in the exclusive club of bowlers who have bowled a complete four-over spell without conceding a single run.
Historic Feat Achieved in Dominant Bowling Display
Ayush Shukla’s achievement is even more significant as he is the first Asian bowler to reach this milestone. Before him, only Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar and New Zealand‘s Lockie Ferguson had managed to bowl four maidens in a T20I. Zafar accomplished this feat in 2021 against Panama, while Ferguson delivered his flawless spell during the T20 World Cup earlier this year against Papua New Guinea, finishing with figures of 4-4-0-3.
In the match against Mongolia, Shukla opened the bowling for Hong Kong and opted to bowl his four overs consecutively. He started with a wicket maiden, dismissing Bat-yalalt Namsrai, and then bowled 18 consecutive dot balls to complete his four maiden overs. His disciplined and relentless bowling not only stifled the Mongolian batting lineup but also added an extraordinary record to his name.
Shukla’s Bowling Evolution
The 21-year-old Shukla has been a consistent performer for Hong Kong in T20Is, having played 34 matches before this game, with 29 wickets to his name at an economy rate of 8.62. He had shown glimpses of his potential earlier, particularly in a spell against Cambodia in 2023, where he recorded figures of 3-1-3-1. Additionally, Shukla made headlines during the Asia Cup 2022 when he took the prized wicket of India‘s captain, Rohit Sharma.
Shukla’s performance against Mongolia is another testament to his growth as a bowler and his ability to deliver under pressure. His latest feat not only highlights his skill but also places him among the most economical and effective bowlers in the format.
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Record-Breaking Match
The encounter between Hong Kong and Mongolia was filled with notable records beyond Shukla’s exceptional performance. The match saw one of the third-quickest chases in T20I history and also featured the third-lowest total ever recorded in the format, underscoring Hong Kong’s dominance throughout the game.
Ayush Shukla’s historic spell is likely to be remembered as one of the standout bowling performances in T20I cricket, and it adds another illustrious chapter to the young bowler’s career. As Hong Kong continues its journey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, Shukla’s confidence and form will undoubtedly be key assets for the team.
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