Former Australian cricketer Joe Burns, now playing for Italy, scored an unbeaten century in a T20 World Cup qualifier against Romania, securing a 160-run victory for Italy. Burns, who switched his allegiance to Italy to honor his late brother, achieved the highest score ever by an Italian player in men's T20Is. Italy, led by Burns' outstanding performance, advanced to the next stage of the qualification process, aiming to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Despite not being contracted in Australian state cricket or the Big Bash League, Burns showcased his talent with a remarkable innings for Italy, emphasizing his commitment to his new team and their aspirations for international success.