Ben Manenti

Ben Manenti is a high-impact bowling all-rounder who brings extensive professional experience to Italy's 2026 T20 World Cup campaign. Born on March 23, 1997, in Sydney, Australia, he qualifies for the 'Azzurri' through his Italian grandmother and plays alongside his brother, Harry Manenti. A powerfully built right-arm off-spinner and hard-hitting lower-order batter, Manenti has established himself as a prominent figure in Australian domestic cricket, representing South Australia and the Sydney Sixers. His reputation as a 'clutch' player was cemented early in his career when he was named Player of the Match on his Big Bash League debut, and he has since grown into a leadership role as captain of South Australia's Sheffield Shield side.

Statistically, Manenti is a proven performer in the shortest format, with over 40 T20 appearances across international and franchise levels. In his early T20I career for Italy, he has shown a knack for building pressure, maintaining a tidy economy rate while contributing crucial cameos with the bat, including a top score of 30. His domestic record is even more formidable, boasting over 1,500 first-class runs and a maiden five-wicket haul (5/73) in red-ball cricket. As Italy enters Group C to face world-class units like England and the West Indies, Manenti’s tactical intelligence and experience in high-pressure franchise environments will be essential for the squad’s balance and competitive edge.