‘Probably the worst-feeling four-for I've got’ - Adam Zampa after Australia’s thumping win over Oman

Australia’s Adam Zampa has given a strong statement, making his feelings clear after his side’s group-stage exit in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. 

The leg-spinner had a match-winning outing in Australia’s last group-stage fixture against Oman. He took four wickets in his 3.2 overs, while giving away only 21 runs. He was also named Player of the Match. But the performance had a sour feeling despite the win, as Australia were eliminated from the tournament.  

"It's feeling pretty hollow, to be honest. You'd prefer to have the wickets than not, but it's probably the worst-feeling four-for I've ever got. To be sitting here right now, knowing that I'm flying home tomorrow - I didn't envision this, that's for sure. So it's a flat feeling," Zampa was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Despite winning the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, he was disappointed with the Kangaroos' performance in the ICC events in the last few years.

"I guess we're renowned for being good tournament player[s and] teams, but I think since we won in 2021 we kind of get through the World Cup really disappointed. In 2022 and 2024 - particularly those two teams I think we probably should have given it a nudge and got close to winning it. You never know what happens in the end of these tournaments. The two teams we had in the last two World Cups in particular, I think really disappointing results,” he concluded.

The Mitchell Marsh-led side finished their campaign with just two wins in four matches, including a shocking loss to Zimbabwe, eventually finishing third in Group-B with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe qualifying for the next stage. 

This marks one of the rare occasions that Australia have failed to progress beyond the group stage of a T20 World Cup, with their 2009 campaign under Ricky Ponting being the other early exit.