Hong Kong pacer Ayush Shukla created history as he became only the third bowler in T20I history to bowl four consecutive maiden overs in an innings. This remarkable achievement is even more significant considering he is the first Asian bowler to accomplish this feat.
Shukla's extraordinary spell came against Mongolia during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, where he finished with impressive figures of 4-4-0-1.
Ayush Shukla runs riot with four maiden overs in T20Is
Prior to Shukla's feat, only Canada's Saad Bin Zafar and New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson had managed to bowl four consecutive maidens in a T20I. Zafar achieved this feat in 2021 against Panama, while Ferguson's flawless spell came during the T20 World Cup earlier this year against Papua New Guinea, where he finished with figures of 4-4-0-3.
In the match against Mongolia, Shukla opened the bowling for Hong Kong and made the strategic decision to bowl his four overs consecutively. He began his spell with a wicket maiden, dismissing Bat-yalalt Namsrai. Shukla then proceeded to bowl 18 consecutive dot balls, completing his four maiden overs in a remarkable display of discipline and skill.
Shukla's relentless bowling not only restricted the Mongolian batting lineup but also secured his place in T20I history with this extraordinary achievement.
Ayush, born in Boisar in Palghar district in Mumbai, at the age of 21, has established himself as a reliable performer for the Hong Kong T20I team. Prior to his four-maiden over achievement, he had participated in 34 matches, claiming 29 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 8.62.
Shukla's potential was evident in earlier matches, notably a spell against Cambodia in 2023 where he recorded figures of 3-1-3-1. He further gained recognition during the Asia Cup 2022 when he dismissed India's captain, Rohit Sharma, a significant milestone in his career.
More Records Set in Hong Kong vs. Mongolia Match
The match between Hong Kong and Mongolia was not only memorable for Shukla's historic achievement but also featured several other notable records. The encounter witnessed one of the fastest chases in T20I history, showcasing Hong Kong's exceptional batting prowess. Additionally, Mongolia's total was one of the lowest ever recorded in the format, further emphasizing Hong Kong's dominance throughout the game. Batting first, Mongolia post a lowly total of 17 runs in 14.2 overs, thanks to Ehsan Khan's brilliant four-fer. In reply, Hong Kong chased down the paltry total in mere 1.4 overs and won the match by nine wickets.
Before this, Ayush had participated in 34 T20I matches. During these matches, he claimed 29 wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 8.62. His most successful bowling spell came in 2023 against Cambodia, where he recorded figures of 3-1-3-1.
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