Adam Zampa’s wizardry with the ball has propelled him to joint second in the T20 World Cup’s all-time wicket-takers rankings. With 40 dismissals now to his name, the Australian leg-spinner stands tall alongside Wanindu Hasaranga and Rashid Khan, just one behind Shahid Afridi’s 39 and well-positioned to chase Shakib Al Hasan’s summit of 50.
The catalyst was Australia’s clinical dismantling of Ireland in Colombo. Zampa tore through the batting lineup, grabbing 4 for 23 in his four overs – a repeat of his earlier four-fer and complementing a five-wicket blast from tournaments past. His efforts sealed a resounding win, underlining his status as a big-match performer.
Australia’s innings was built on Marcus Stoinis’s explosive 45, with Matt Renshaw and Josh Inglis chipping in 37 each to reach 182 for six. Ireland’s bowlers, led by Mark Adair’s two strikes, fought back but fell short.
In reply, Ireland’s chase imploded spectacularly. George Dockrell’s gritty 42 was the highlight, Lorcan Tucker made 24, but Zampa (4 wickets) and Nathan Ellis (4) ran riot. Matthew Kuhnemann grabbed the other as Ireland folded for 115.
Zampa’s T20I record – 143 wickets at 20.56 average across 112 games – is the stuff of legend. Next up, Zimbabwe on February 13 offers Zampa a golden chance to go solo second. For Australia, it’s group stage momentum in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where Zampa’s spin could be the X-factor.