Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates will participate in a tri-series of Twenty20 international matches to tune up for next month's Asia Cup followed by the World Cup next year.

And at the heart of this journey stood Burns -- former Australia Test opener, now captain of Italy -- a man playing for far more than just cricket.

Italy brushed aside Scotland by 12 runs in a monumental to move one step closer to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Canada join the list of 10 teams already qualified for the 20-team event, alongside co-hosts India and Sri Lanka.