ADELAIDE, 16 February 2026 – Benjamin Manenti has emerged as a pivotal figure in Italy’s historic debut campaign at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Australian-born all-rounder, a mainstay in the Sheffield Shield and Big Bash League, is currently representing the Azzurri on the global stage, providing veteran leadership and elite spin bowling in their Group C fixtures.
Recent Performances: T20 World Cup 2026
Manenti has been instrumental in Italy’s competitive showing during the tournament’s opening week. On 12 February 2026, he played a starring role in Italy’s first-ever T20 World Cup victory, a 10-wicket demolition of Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Manenti “strangulated” the opposition batters, finishing with remarkable figures of 2-9 from his four overs.
Earlier in the tournament, during Italy’s debut match against Scotland on 9 February 2026, Manenti showcased his batting prowess by scoring 52 runs, marking his highest T20 International score to date. As of today, 16 February, Manenti is in Kolkata as Italy prepares to face England at Eden Gardens in Match 29 of the tournament.
Career Statistics
Manenti’s career is defined by his versatility as a right-arm off-break bowler and a reliable lower-middle-order batter. His experience in Australian domestic cricket with South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers has made him one of the most seasoned players in the Italian squad.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class (FC) | 35 | 1,690 | 35.20 | — | — |
| List A (LA) | 19 | 247 | 20.58 | — | — |
| T20 (Overall) | 51 | 265 | 12.61 | — | — |
| T20 International (T20I) | 10 | 145 | 18.13 | 5 | 51.80 |
The “Aussie-Italian” Connection
Manenti is part of a unique contingent of professional cricketers with Italian heritage who have opted to represent Italy to help grow the sport. Alongside his brother Harry Manenti, Ben has been credited with encouraging other professional players to join the national programme. This recruitment strategy has seen Italy rise from the lower tiers of European cricket to competing against world-class nations like England and Australia in the 2026 World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BBL team does Ben Manenti play for?
Ben Manenti is a member of the Adelaide Strikers. He has previously played for the Sydney Sixers, where he was part of their title-winning squads.
What is Ben Manenti’s highest score in T20 Internationals?
His highest T20I score is 52, achieved against Scotland on 9 February 2026, during Italy’s opening match of the T20 World Cup.
Why does Ben Manenti play for Italy?
Manenti qualifies for Italy through his heritage. He joined the national team to participate in ICC qualifying events and has been a key factor in their successful qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
What were his figures in the win against Nepal?
In the historic 10-wicket win over Nepal, Manenti bowled four overs, conceding only 9 runs and taking 2 wickets (4-0-9-2).