Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo
Colombo, Feb 11: Australia’s premier leg-spinner Adam Zampa climbed into a tie for the second-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history with a brilliant four-wicket performance, powering his side to a 67-run win over Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.
Zampa was outstanding with figures of 4/23, as Ireland were bundled out for 115 in 16.5 overs while chasing a challenging 182. With this effort, Zampa’s T20 World Cup wicket tally reached 40, level with Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan—joint second on the all-time list.
Bangladesh’s all-round legend Shakib Al Hasan leads the chart with 50 wickets, while Pakistan great Shahid Afridi sits just behind with 39.
This marked Zampa’s second four-wicket haul in T20 World Cup competition; he also has one five-wicket haul to his name in the tournament. Across all T20 Internationals, the leg-spinner boasts 143 wickets in 112 matches at an impressive average of 20.56.
Australia’s total of 182/6 was built on a vital mid-innings partnership of 61 runs between Matthew Renshaw and Marcus Stoinis, who steadied the innings after early trouble. Travis Head was dismissed cheaply via a run-out, and Josh Inglis fell after a quickfire 37 off 17 balls. Renshaw added 37, while Stoinis scored 45 to boost the total to a competitive score.
Ireland’s reply faltered early when captain Paul Stirling retired hurt after facing just one delivery. Nathan Ellis then wreaked havoc, taking three wickets in seven balls to dismantle the top order, with Zampa applying pressure through the middle overs. Ireland slumped to 43/5 before a brief resistance from Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell, who added 46 runs. Zampa broke that partnership and completed his four-wicket haul, sealing the comprehensive victory for Australia.
Australia’s next assignment is against Zimbabwe at the same venue on February 13 in their second group-stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026, where Zampa will aim to surpass Rashid Khan and Hasaranga on the all-time wicket list.