Adam Zampa Becomes Joint Second-Highest Wicket-Taker In T20 World Cup History

Australia spinner Adam Zampa has etched his name further into the record books by becoming the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Zampa achieved the milestone during Australia’s campaign opener against Ireland in Colombo. Defending a total of 183, the leg-spinner delivered a match-winning performance, returning figures of 4/23 from his four overs.

With this four-wicket haul, Zampa moved past former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi and now has 40 wickets in 22 T20 World Cup matches. He averages 12.90 in the tournament with an impressive economy rate of 6.29. His best bowling figures stand at 5/19, and he has claimed two four-wicket hauls along with one five-wicket haul in the competition.

Zampa is now tied with Afghanistan star Rashid Khan, who also has 40 wickets from 25 matches at an average of 15.37, including three four-wicket hauls.

Afridi, who was the Player of the Tournament in 2007 and Player of the Match in Pakistan’s 2009 triumph, finished his T20 World Cup career with 39 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 23.25, with best figures of 4/11 and two four-wicket hauls.

At the top of the all-time list is Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has taken 50 wickets in 43 matches at an average of 20.12, with three four-wicket hauls and best figures of 4/9.

In the match against Ireland, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. Contributions from Marcus Stoinis (45 off 29 balls, with two fours and a six), Josh Inglis (37 off 17 balls, including six fours and a six), and Matt Renshaw (37 off 33 balls, with two fours) helped Australia post 182/6 in their 20 overs. Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland with figures of 2/44.

In response, Ireland struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Pacer Nathan Ellis was outstanding with 4/12 in 3.5 overs, while Zampa’s 4/23 ensured the Irish batting line-up never recovered. Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs.

George Dockrell (41 off 29 balls, with three fours and two sixes) and Lorcan Tucker (24 off 27 balls, with a four and a six) offered some resistance, but the rest of the batting order failed to capitalise as Australia sealed a dominant victory.