Adam Zampa subdued South Africa in Cape Town, now Australia's legspinner has set his mind on worrying the best batsmen at the World Twenty20.
Zampa went wicket-less in Australia's 2-1 T20 series win over the Proteas but tidy figures of 0-23 changed the course of the series decider at Newlands.
The hosts were 1-68 after six overs before Zampa helped trim the run-rate and restrict them to a total of 4-178.
"He bowled really well. I was really impressed with his consistency," Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis said.
"It's exciting to see they've also got a really good legspinner. I feel that in T20 cricket you need a legspinner. It's worth gold if you have a guy who can spin the ball both ways."
The tune-up and praise will boost Zampa's confidence ahead of his first major international assignment, this month's World T20 in India.
But the 23-year-old isn't exactly short of self-belief as his side prepares to launch their campaign against New Zealand on March 18.
"I'm always pretty confident in myself," Zampa said.
"I've done pretty well the last couple of years in this format, so I'll always be pretty confident.
"At the moment (there are no nerves), it's just excitement. I'm pretty excited about going to India.
"We've all been there a few times each and I've been there for an (Australia) A series so it's nothing unexpected.
"It's going to be interesting for me, first time (at a major event)."
Zampa impressed on ODI debut last month in New Zealand, convincing selectors he should be picked in Australia's World T20 squad ahead of fellow legspinner Cameron Boyce.
The tweaker, who prides himself on accuracy and competitiveness, will play a crucial role in Australia's hopes of winning an event they never have.
Zampa will be charged with drying up the runs after the opening six overs, when the field is up and his pace colleagues will almost always cop a hammering.
"I know my role pretty well at the moment. I try and target the stumps the best I can and make it hard to score and wait for a mistake," Zampa said.
"I always have pretty good plans and they won't be changing over in India I don't think."
Australia face West Indies in warm-up game on Sunday in Kolkata before shifting to Dharamsala for their tournament opener against NZ.
Share
