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Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Margins to mainstream: Italy complete their T20 World Cup qualification job
The Azzurri are heading to the World Cup. Not the OGs. But, Italy men's cricket team. Just six years after playing their maiden T20 International against Germany in 2019, Italy made history on Friday at the Hague. Going into the final fixture, they either needed a win or a narrow loss to book their World Cup spot. Though they couldn't get there on a high with a win, they ensured The Netherlands didn't overhaul their target of 135 inside 14 overs (overhauled in 16.2 overs), which was enough to qualify. New teams making the T20 World Cup has been the norm over the last few editions. Joining the storied climb of Afghanistan, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Uganda and US next year would be Italy when they make their presence in the T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March. Going into the final day on Friday, Italy, Netherlands and Jersey – a tiny island with just a population of 1,03, 267 that sits on the English Channel – were vying for the two spots available for the T20 World Cup. The day began with a shocker as Jersey pipped Scotland by one wicket off the final ball, which meant they had to wait till the outcome of the Italy versus The Netherlands fixture. The close result in the game played into Italy's hands. Unlike their football team which has been deserted by luck, their cricket team got one as Jersey's tight win meant even if Italy lost the game, they had to ensure the Netherlands didn't win by a huge margin. After electing to bat at The Hague, Italy made 134/7 in 20 overs and all that they needed to ensure was that The Netherlands didn't chase the total inside 14 overs. A job their bowlers ensured despite the rapid start that the hosts got off to going at 11 runs an over in the powerplay before they took the gas off the pedals to coast home but also take Italy along with them to the sub-continent. Starring in their qualification was a bunch of Aussie and English expats, who have moved to Italy alongside their captain Joe Burns. The Australian touch is hard to overlook, particularly given the head coach John Davison – famous for his century in the 2003 World Cup, is also from Australia. Joining Burns from Australia were Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart – a fast bowler born in Australia but played professional cricket for Kent before switching and Thomas Draca, who was in the IPL auction list recently. Landing from England were opener Emilio Gay, who was part of England Lions, and Marcus Campopiano. Completing the Associate outfit were two expats from subcontinent – fast bowler Jaspreet Singh was born in Punjab's Phagwara and off-spinner Crishan Jorge Priyantha Fernando Kalugamage has Sri Lanka Lankan roots. Two of them – Justin and Anthony Mosca—are native Italians. When the Netherlands raced to 94/1 in 11 overs, Italy appeared to be losing their way. But three tidy overs got the job done for them. '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 said. Having missed the qualification last time by one win, this time Italy have finished the job, with assistant coach Kevin O'Brien crediting the preparation head of the Qualifiers for the turnaround. 'I think we've identified where we went wrong last time in Scotland (in the last cycle). We've looked at trying to change that, over the past few months or so,' he said. 'We're well set after the two warm-up games this week, and we had a nice camp in Horsham (Sussex) where we played three games. All in all, I think it's coming together, (and) the confidence is high in the group and we've got some very experienced players in the team, experience from all over the world as well,' O'Brien told ICC. Brief scores: Italy 134/7 in 20 overs (Benjamin Manenti 30, Grant Stewart 25; Roelof Van Der Merwe 3/15) lost to The Netherlands 135/1 in 16.2 overs (Max O'Dowd 47 n.o, Scott Edwards 37 n.o).
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Iraq reopens Syria crossing for trade and passenger traffic
FILE PHOTO: Iraqi army commanders visit by helicopter a military base near a border crossing with Syria at Al-Qaim, Iraq January 18, 2021. Picture taken January 18, 2021. REUTERS/John Davison/File Photo ANBAR - Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria for trade and passenger traffic, a spokesman for the Iraqi border authority said on Saturday, marking a key step in efforts to normalise relations and revive economic ties between the two countries. 'The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,' the spokesman told Reuters, adding that the reopening followed joint security assessments by Iraqi and Syrian officials. The move comes three months after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Baghdad and urged Iraq to resume cross-border trade. The crossing had been shut in the wake of the revolt that toppled President Bashar al-Assad and the ensuing years of conflict that destabilised the region. The reopening is also seen as a sign of warming ties between Baghdad and Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has sought to re-establish diplomatic and economic relations with regional neighbours. Iraqi officials say the two governments have intensified coordination on border security and trade facilitation since al-Sharaa took office last year. 'This crossing will serve as a strategic corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria,' said Turki al-Mahallawi, mayor of the town of al-Qaim, where the border post is located. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Iraq reopens Syria crossing for trade and passenger traffic
FILE PHOTO: Iraqi army commanders visit by helicopter a military base near a border crossing with Syria at Al-Qaim, Iraq January 18, 2021. Picture taken January 18, 2021. REUTERS/John Davison/File Photo ANBAR (Reuters) -Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria for trade and passenger traffic, a spokesman for the Iraqi border authority said on Saturday, marking a key step in efforts to normalise relations and revive economic ties between the two countries. 'The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,' the spokesman told Reuters, adding that the reopening followed joint security assessments by Iraqi and Syrian officials. The move comes three months after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Baghdad and urged Iraq to resume cross-border trade. The crossing had been shut in the wake of the revolt that toppled President Bashar al-Assad and the ensuing years of conflict that destabilised the region. The reopening is also seen as a sign of warming ties between Baghdad and Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has sought to re-establish diplomatic and economic relations with regional neighbours. Iraqi officials say the two governments have intensified coordination on border security and trade facilitation since al-Sharaa took office last year. 'This crossing will serve as a strategic corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria,' said Turki al-Mahallawi, mayor of the town of al-Qaim, where the border post is located. (Reporting by Kamal Mohammed in Anbar; Writing by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Now roof to protect 'much-loved' theatre
Work to replace the roof of a theatre is expected to finish in March, officials have said. The Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe, was built in 1958, but a recent survey found the existing roof had reached the end of its lifespan. North Lincolnshire Council, which owns the building, said it could no longer continue with patchwork repairs due to the risk of leaks damaging the auditorium, performance equipment and other parts of the interior. The £160,000 funding for the project has come from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund. The venue, which is named in honour of the late actress Dame Joan Plowright, has been described by the council as an "essential part of Scunthorpe's entertainment scene". Councillor John Davison, cabinet member for culture, heritage and arts, said: "This investment is fantastic news for the Plowright Theatre and for the local community. "By replacing part of the roof now, we are protecting this much-loved venue and ensuring it remains a vibrant space for live performances in North Lincolnshire." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Acting legend Dame Joan Plowright dies at 95 Victorian theatre to reopen after 8-year renovation Dancing dads take to stage to help 'leaky' school North Lincolnshire Council Scunthorpe Theatres
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Now roof to protect 'much-loved' theatre
Work to replace the roof of a theatre is expected to finish in March, officials have said. The Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe, was built in 1958, but a recent survey found the existing roof had reached the end of its lifespan. North Lincolnshire Council, which owns the building, said it could no longer continue with patchwork repairs due to the risk of leaks damaging the auditorium, performance equipment and other parts of the interior. The £160,000 funding for the project has come from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund. The venue, which is named in honour of the late actress Dame Joan Plowright, has been described by the council as an "essential part of Scunthorpe's entertainment scene". Councillor John Davison, cabinet member for culture, heritage and arts, said: "This investment is fantastic news for the Plowright Theatre and for the local community. "By replacing part of the roof now, we are protecting this much-loved venue and ensuring it remains a vibrant space for live performances in North Lincolnshire." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Acting legend Dame Joan Plowright dies at 95 Victorian theatre to reopen after 8-year renovation Dancing dads take to stage to help 'leaky' school North Lincolnshire Council Scunthorpe Theatres
