History was made in Colombo as Adam Zampa joined the elite club of T20 World Cup wicket-taking greats. His 40th scalp in the tournament levels him with Wanindu Hasaranga and Rashid Khan for second place, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s 39 and eyeing Shakib Al Hasan’s 50.
Against Ireland, Zampa was unplayable, snaring 4 for 23 – his second four-wicket show in T20 World Cups, backed by a prior five-fer. This spell was pivotal in Australia’s stroll to victory, showcasing his tactical acumen and guile under pressure.
Batting first, Australia amassed 182 for six. Stoinis blazed 45, Renshaw and Inglis steady with 37 apiece. Ireland’s Mark Adair (2 wickets), Matthew Humphreys, George Dockrell, and Harry Tector (1 each) tried, but the total proved daunting.
Ireland’s response was a debacle: 115 all out in 16.5 overs. Dockrell’s 41 and Tucker’s 24 offered resistance, but Zampa and Ellis’s 4-for each, plus Kuhnemann’s one, ended it swiftly.
In 112 T20Is, Zampa has 143 wickets at 20.56 – elite stats. Australia’s next test is Zimbabwe on February 13, same ground. Victory there, and Zampa might snatch sole second, boosting their 2026 campaign. Cricket fans, brace for more spin sensation.