In a thrilling display at Colombo, Australia’s Adam Zampa has rocketed into the top echelons of T20 World Cup history. The leg-spinner now shares second place on the all-time wicket-takers list with an impressive 40 scalps, equaling Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.
Zampa’s latest heroics came in a dominant Australia victory over Ireland. Bowling his full quota of four overs, he conceded just 23 runs while claiming four vital wickets – his second four-wicket haul in T20 World Cups and adding to a previous five-wicket masterpiece. This performance not only powered Australia to a comfortable win but also etched Zampa’s name deeper into cricketing lore.
The match saw Australia post a challenging 182 for six after electing to bat first. Marcus Stoinis led the charge with a brisk 45, supported by half-centurions-in-waiting Matt Renshaw and Josh Inglis, both scoring 37. Ireland’s Mark Adair picked up two wickets, but couldn’t stem the flow.
Chasing 183, Ireland crumbled to 115 all out in 16.5 overs. George Dockrell fought valiantly with 41, and Lorcan Tucker added 24, but it wasn’t enough. Zampa and Nathan Ellis shared eight wickets between them, with four apiece, while Matthew Kuhnemann snared one.
Overall, Zampa boasts 143 wickets in 112 T20Is at an economy of 20.56 – numbers that speak to his consistency. Ahead lies a blockbuster clash against Zimbabwe on February 13 at the same venue, where Zampa could leapfrog Hasaranga and Khan to claim outright second spot, trailing only Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan with 50 wickets.
As T20 World Cup 2026 heats up, Zampa’s form signals Australia’s intent to defend their crown with flair and firepower.