Joe Burns. This name is not unknown in world cricket. If we go back a few years, this player would have been seen playing for Australia and scoring a century. But, this time he has written the story of a century not for Australia but for Italy.

Yes, Joe Burns, who was seen in Australian cricket till last year, is now playing cricket for Italy. Joe Burns, famous for his stormy batting, has decided to play cricket for Italy after the death of his brother. Actually, in February this year, his cousin, who used to play for Italy, died.

Joe Burns did decide to play for Italy in place of his cousin. But, he has a big motive behind this. Joe Burns's motive is to make Italy qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026. He is busy in achieving this big goal. The century that came from his bat in the match played against Romania on June 16 is also a part of this goal.

First century scored in T20 International

Joe Burns scored 108 runs in 55 balls against Romania, which included 16 sixes and fours. This included 12 fours and 4 sixes. This was not only the first century for Italy but also the first century of Burns' T20 international career. Before this, he had scored only 4 international centuries in Test cricket for Australia.

Century in jersey number 85

The T20 International century he scored against Romania is also special because he scored it wearing his brother's jersey number 85. Joe Burns' brother used to play for Italy in the same jersey number.

After this century, Burns has also become the sixth batsman in the world to score a century for two countries.

Agreement not extended with Queensland

Joe Burns not only left his country Australia to play for Italy after the death of his brother, but the 34-year-old batsman also broke his Queensland contract. Burns used to play cricket for Queensland in Australia's domestic cricket. But, when it came to extending his contract for the 2024-25 season, he refused.

Joe Burns shines, Italy wins by 160 runs

Talking about the match, on the basis of Joe Burns' century, the Italian team managed to score 244 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs.

In response, Romania could score only 84 runs and lost the match by a huge margin of 160 runs. In this way, Italy has confirmed its place in the European final. It has come closer to qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2026.

In response, Romania could score only 84 runs and lost the match by a huge margin of 160 runs. In this way, Italy has confirmed its place in the European final. It has come closer to qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2026.