Video of the Day - Asia Cup 2025: Gurbaz smashes a maximum but Ayush Shukla gets the last laugh

Published - 09 Sept 2025, 21:58 IST | Updated - 09 Sept 2025, 22:01 IST

Hong Kong pacer Ayush Shukla provided his side with an early breakthrough in the Asia Cup 2025 opener by dismissing Afghanistan’s aggressive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan had earlier won the toss and elected to bat, opting for a spin-heavy line-up featuring three spinners in the tournament opener at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Opening the bowling for Hong Kong, Shukla settled quickly into his rhythm. In his second over, Gurbaz danced down the track and lofted a length ball over long-off for a clean six, showing early intent. However, Shukla responded brilliantly in the next ball, giving an immediate response to the opening batter and striking early for the Yasim Murtaza-led side.

On the very next delivery, he bowled a full ball with a hint of away movement. Gurbaz, attempting a repeat of the previous shot, mistimed his stroke badly. The ball flew off the outer half of his bat and went high over mid-off, where Nizakat Khan ran back and completed a safe reverse-cup catch. Gurbaz departed after a quick eight off five balls.

6️⃣ & OUT! ☝️Hong Kong strike courtesy Ayush, Gurbaz departs 💥Watch #DPWORLDASIACUP2025 - LIVE on #SonyLIV & #SonySportsNetwork TV Channels 📺#AsiaCup #AFGvHKG