Cricket: Joe Burns puts Italy on track for first T20 World Cup
Burns and his plucky Azzurri outfit need a victory over the Netherlands in their final match on Friday at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final to secure a first-ever start in the tournament.
They could even qualify with a narrow loss should either 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 beat by 12 runs at The Hague late last year.
'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.
'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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