I feel most of the HMs were thinking that Shehnaz would win the task.
After all, any task with celebs has them fawning over Shehnaz and this task is crucial for a easier route to finale. Imagine their shock specially that of Shukla, Paras, Aarti and Jariwala who were supporting Shehnaz because handing the win to Asim is a clear indication of his outside popularity.
I am sure these guys kind of recognized that Asim has got popular but to have him won over Shehnaz is a strong message when it was a one on one