NEW DELHI: Australian spinner
Adam Zampa
played a pivotal role in his team's commanding 36-run victory over England in their
T20 World Cup
clash at Kensington Oval.
Despite missing a potential "catch of the tournament", Zampa's impactful bowling performance proved instrumental in securing Australia's win.
ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table
Chasing a challenging target, England got off to a blistering start, with captain
Jos Buttler
and opener
Phil Salt
taking the attack to the Australian bowlers.
The duo amassed 73 runs in the first seven overs, putting immense pressure on the defending champions.
Zampa's introduction into the attack proved to be the turning point of the match. Brought in during a critical phase, he delivered immediately, dismissing both Buttler and Salt in his first two overs. This double-wicket maiden shifted the momentum decisively in Australia's favour.
Describing the near-miss, Zampa said, "No, I don't know what happened there. Felt like I plucked it out of nowhere, and it stuck. It did for a second, and then, I don't know, I think the sweat and the impact on the ground. Yeah, I felt that would have been a good one. Would have enjoyed that one."
"I don't know, I try and play my role, I try and really want to put myself in the position to change the game. We were under the pump early with the ball, they were going at 10s," the spinner added.
However, he relishes such high-pressure situations. "I looked at the scoreboard and went, alright, it's time to stand up. So, I absolutely love those situations. We play a lot of cricket where you don't feel like that. World Cup is exactly what you play for and to be in those positions - it gets me going," he added.
Despite his match-winning spell, Zampa couldn't help but rue a missed catching opportunity that could have been a highlight of the tournament. Fielding at deep mid-wicket in the 19th over, Zampa came agonizingly close to pulling off a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss
Harry Brook
.
Despite the missed catch, Zampa's overall contribution was crucial to Australia's victory. His bowling figures of 2/28 in four overs effectively stifled England's chase, restricting them to 165/6. This win further solidifies Australia's position as strong contenders in the tournament.
(Inputs from ANI)
English (US) ·