South Africa v Australia: Adam Zampa records joint-worst men’s ODI bowling figures in tourists’ defeat

In a cricket match that could only be described as a bowler’s nightmare, Adam Zampa of the Australian team found himself in the record books for all the wrong reasons. It was a contest that will be remembered not for the heroic feats of a batsman but for the relentless onslaught against a hapless bowler.

South Africa was in a ferocious mood as they piled on a staggering 416 runs in their allotted 50 overs. This was the second-highest score ever posted by South Africa against the Australians in a One-Day International (ODI). The hero of the day for the Proteas was none other than Heinrich Klaasen, who played an innings for the ages. With a blistering 174 runs off just 83 balls, Klaasen left the Australian bowlers dazed and confused. It was a display of power hitting that would have made even the greats of the game sit up and take notice.

Amidst this carnage, Adam Zampa’s figures took a nosedive that he would probably want to forget. His final tally of 0-113 from his 10 overs was not only eye-watering but also etched his name in the record books for all the wrong reasons. Zampa’s performance with the ball was so devastatingly unimpressive that it equaled the ignominious record set by his compatriot Mark Lewis back in 2006. Both of them now share the dubious distinction of having the joint-worst bowling figures in men’s ODI cricket.

The final over of Zampa’s spell was a true horror show. It went for an astonishing 26 runs, thanks to some merciless hitting by Klaasen and the ever-dangerous David Miller. It was a period of play that would have had even the most seasoned bowlers scratching their heads in disbelief. In fact, Zampa’s last two overs alone accounted for 44 runs, a number that would give any bowler nightmares for weeks to come.

As if to add insult to injury, Zampa’s forgettable outing also included the ignominy of Klaasen hitting three sixes in a single over. It was a display of brute force that showcased the sheer dominance of South Africa’s batting on that fateful day.

Despite a valiant effort by Alex Carey, who scored 99 runs in a losing cause, Australia could only manage a total of 252 runs in reply. The South African bowlers, led by Lungi Ngidi with four wickets, ensured that Australia’s chase was a futile endeavor. Kagiso Rabada had the final say, dismissing Carey just one run short of what would have been a heroic century.

With this emphatic victory, South Africa leveled the five-match series at 2-2, setting up a thrilling final showdown in Johannesburg. But the headlines of the day undoubtedly belonged to Adam Zampa, who unwittingly etched his name into cricketing history, albeit in a manner he’d rather forget.

As the cricketing world reflects on this remarkable match, one can’t help but marvel at the unpredictability and drama that this sport never fails to deliver. Whether it’s the heroics of a batsman or the struggles of a bowler, cricket continues to captivate and astound, leaving fans and players alike in awe of its magic.

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More about Cricket Bowler’s Nightmare

• Cricket World Cup Schedule
• South Africa vs. Australia Match Scorecard
• Adam Zampa’s Profile
• Heinrich Klaasen’s Profile
• Lungi Ngidi’s Profile
• Kagiso Rabada’s Profile
• Mark Lewis’ Bowling Figures
• Cara Murray’s Bowling Figures