'Oh my lord': Fans in disbelief over 'outrageous' Aussie cricket drama
Some brilliant late hitting from Adam Zampa has lifted South Australia to victory over Queensland despite another impressive knock from Marnus Labuschagne at the Gabba.
Labuschagne's commanding 135 had rescued the hosts from 4-24, with Jimmy Peirson (48) stabilising the innings before some late hitting from Michael Neser and Ben Cutting boosted them to 9-295 from their 50 overs.
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In-form quick Wes Agar (5-69) did the damage with the ball and the Redbacks looked on track with Alex Carey (79) cruising alongside Callum Ferguson (91), before Carey was run out and Ferguson departed with plenty of work to do.
Needing 33 from the final 18 balls Zampa stepped up, his 35 from just 15 deliveries featuring some brilliant stroke play as they won with two balls to spare.
The leg-spinner slapped fearsome quick Billy Stanlake for a straight six, before scooping Michael Neser for six from the first ball of the last over.
That made it nine to win from five balls and Zampa, sporting a tremendous mullet, wasted no time getting there with consecutive boundaries through cover and square leg.
"I had to take some risks ... flat-batting big Billy is always a risk but I pulled it off today," Zampa said.
"I thought Marnus and Peirso batted really well, changed the game and made it tough for us."
Fans in disbelief over Zampa heroics
The Bulls were in strife after Agar's four-wicket opening spell claimed Usman Khawaja (5), Joe Burns (0) and Matthew Renshaw (0).
Labuschagne was unflustered though, ending a run of eight half centuries without reaching triple figures since replacing a concussed Steve Smith in the second Ashes Test by launching Zampa into the stands over mid-on.
"I've thrown a few away so it was nice to get that one but it's very disappointing to lose," Labuschagne said.
"The bowlers came back superbly (after Carey's innings) but cricket's a funny game and in three overs it can turn."
Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing from Zampa.
What a knock by Zampa.
Had my eyes rubbed after watching his incredible shots.
Congratulations 🎊 https://t.co/QRu9Bq75vb— Minty (@MickyMick17) October 23, 2019
Adam zampa take a bow. One of the best wins you'll see!! 🏏 https://t.co/OveeOVXpQk
— Sam Harvey (@harves18) October 23, 2019
An an on-drive for another four to secure a three-wicket win if you don't mind!
Incredible run chase, incredible finish from Adam Zampa
Scores: https://t.co/qWFevv5mG9 #QLDvSA— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 23, 2019
Adam Zampa 👋🏼👋🏼
— Renshaw another fail (@joelkalajzic) October 23, 2019
An absolutely phenomenal innings from Adam Zampa! What about those @WestEndRedbacks ! Who’s from Queensland???!? Suck a leeeeemmmooonnnn
— Nick Giles (@EagleGiles23) October 23, 2019
Adam Zampa!! Oh my lordy!! @WestEndRedbacks #MarshCup
— Matthew Hague (@hagebear) October 23, 2019
What an innings from Adam Zampa! Some of those sixes and fours though were amazing! #MarshCup #QLDvSA
— Joshua Dickson 🦁🦁 (@joshuadickson05) October 23, 2019
Wait, surely that’s not Adam Zampa ramping Michael Neser for six? 🤯
Outrageous!
pic.twitter.com/lnUvM1rnMb— The Googly (@officialgoogly) October 23, 2019
I swear I've never seen him score above 20
— Jay (@notUncleWesley) October 23, 2019
The victory moves the Redbacks to 3-2 in the competition and denied the Bulls (3-2) a likely early berth in the decider.
