<p>Cricket minnows Italy are on the cusp of sealing their first appearance at the Twenty20 World Cup after stunning Scotland in the European qualifying tournament on Wednesday.</p><p>Their 12-run victory in Voorburg, the Netherlands, kept Italy top of the Europe Regional Final standings and in pole position for the 20-overs showpiece to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.</p><p>A win over the Dutch, who are second in the standings, in their final match on Friday would seal their place but Italy's superior net run rate means even a narrow loss could send them through if other results go their way.</p>.England, India not happy as Dukes balls go soft and out of shape early.<p>"I am really proud of the boys for this moment," said captain Joe Burns, who played 23 tests for Australia before switching allegiance to Italy last year.</p><p>"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."</p><p>With the top two in the standings to advance, Scotland can still qualify but need a big win against Jersey on Friday and an Italy victory against the Dutch.</p><p>"A lot of the credit has to go to Italy, who outskilled us with the ball in those conditions," Scotland captain Richie Berrington said.</p><p>"Obviously today's a tough one, but it's important we learn what we can from this game. We will be looking to come back strong.</p><p>"We have to focus on coming back on Friday and looking to win that game then the rest takes care of itself."</p>
<p>Cricket minnows Italy are on the cusp of sealing their first appearance at the Twenty20 World Cup after stunning Scotland in the European qualifying tournament on Wednesday.</p><p>Their 12-run victory in Voorburg, the Netherlands, kept Italy top of the Europe Regional Final standings and in pole position for the 20-overs showpiece to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.</p><p>A win over the Dutch, who are second in the standings, in their final match on Friday would seal their place but Italy's superior net run rate means even a narrow loss could send them through if other results go their way.</p>.England, India not happy as Dukes balls go soft and out of shape early.<p>"I am really proud of the boys for this moment," said captain Joe Burns, who played 23 tests for Australia before switching allegiance to Italy last year.</p><p>"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."</p><p>With the top two in the standings to advance, Scotland can still qualify but need a big win against Jersey on Friday and an Italy victory against the Dutch.</p><p>"A lot of the credit has to go to Italy, who outskilled us with the ball in those conditions," Scotland captain Richie Berrington said.</p><p>"Obviously today's a tough one, but it's important we learn what we can from this game. We will be looking to come back strong.</p><p>"We have to focus on coming back on Friday and looking to win that game then the rest takes care of itself."</p>