Aussies puts Italy on verge of World Cup
Burns and his plucky Azzurri outfit need a victory over the Netherlands in their final match on Friday at the at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final to secure in a first-ever start in the tournament.
Even a narrow loss could see them qualify should neither Jersey or Scotland win their contest by a big margin.
Burns, who played 23 Tests for Australia before switching allegiances and starting a new journey with Italy, was stunned after his team toppled Scotland, an outfit Australia played against late last year with a 12-run win at The Hague.
'I am really proud of the boys for this moment,' Burns said. Australian spinner Ben Manenti has helped put Italy on track for a T20 World Cup spot. Credit: Supplied
'To come and beat Scotland, who are a fantastic team, is a nice reward for sacrifices our players, staff and federation have made.
'Hopefully this is the stepping stone for a lot to come. It's a very emotional group at the moment. Being on the verge of a World Cup? It's very surreal.'
Burns only made eight in his team's total of 6-167.
But a bowling outfit including South Australian spinner Ben Manenti and his brother Harry, who took all five Scottish wickets, limited their opponents to 5-155 to lock in the stunning victory
The Italians final match in Voorburg is the last of the tournament, ensuring they will know exactly what's needed to secure a maiden T20 World Cup spot.
Next year's T20 World Cup will be played in India.
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