A fabulous knock by Italy middle-order batter Benjamin Manenti. He played a 60-run knock, chasing 103, against England. Cricket fans on social media platforms are praising his gallant fight against the star-studded England cricket team.
The ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has upheld multiple occasions where a team or a batter played surprisingly well against a strong side. Benjamin Manenti’s innings is among the surprising moments when fans offer a standing ovation.
Benjamin Manenti and Italy gave England some chilling moments
Against England, Italy was the clear underdog. The first innings total over two hundred seemed to be enough to be buried in the Roman dreams. But Benjamin and the rest of the Italian cricketers proved that they are in the T20 World Cup 2026 not as tourists, but to show the world that they deserve to play in the elite competition.
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Batting first, the Harry Brook-led team secured 202 for 7 in 20 overs. Will Jacks, who came to bat at number 7, added a crucial 53 runs in 22 deliveries only. In his undefeated knock, Jacks smashed three 4s and four 6s, which took his strike rate to 240.91. Apart from the half-century effort, the rest of the English batters performed in an ordinary manner. Grant Stewart and Crishan Kalugamage claimed a brace each for Italy.
Benjamin Manenti was supported by two teammates
Italy started the run chase from a vulnerable position, losing two early wickets for only 1 run on the board. The third wicket fell when the team was on 22. Italy was in deep trouble.
From 22 for 3 to 114 for 4, the 92-run span is the evidence of Benjamin Manenti’s brilliant knock, supported by the opener Justin Mosca. While most of the top-order batters fell short against the England bowlers, Mosca played an anchor role, keeping his nerves steady.
When Manenti’s fiery batting style was combined with the opener’s well-composed batting, the momentum started to shift gradually. When these two batters were in the middle, the England bowling line-up was visibly under pressure.
Manenti, an Australian-born player who plays for Italy, departed after scoring 60 off 25 with four 4s and six 6s, with a strike rate of 240.00. Justin Mosca departed for 43. After Minanti, another middle-order batter, Grant Stewart, added another 45 runs to the scoreboard.
England into the next round of the T20 World Cup 2026
All of the efforts were in vain as Italy lost the match. England won the contest by 24 runs. Against 202, the second batting team managed to score 178 runs in 20 overs in exchange for all 10 wickets.
After playing 3 matches, Italy is in the number four spot with 2 defeats and 1 win in Group C. England confirmed the second spot with 3 wins in 4 matches.
Benjamin Manenti 🔥
🔹52(31) & 0/20 (2) vs Scotland
🔹2/9 (4) vs Nepal
🔹60(25) & 1/37 (4) vs EnglandWell played benjaman manenti 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/rkcmOraasl
— PANKAJ DAUNAWAT (@pankajmeen75939) February 16, 2026
Hats off to Benjamin Manenti! The stage is set for Italy. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/EVzHVKSYBv
— Unkar (@I_am_Unkar_006) February 16, 2026
Wonderful innings by Benjamin Manenti.👌 pic.twitter.com/pGbS35a4Hj
— Cricket Sangrah (@CricketSangrah) February 16, 2026
शानदार 👏🔥
Benjamin Manenti ने कमाल कर दिया! 🇮🇹
30 बॉल में 60 रन की पारी।#BenjaminManenti #Italy #Cricket #MatchDay #ProudMoment 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/f9cDvc9ixl— Y B (@UntoldSpace028) February 16, 2026
TAKE A BOW BENJAMIN MANENTI
— Anant jalan (@NavyaJalan) February 16, 2026
What an innings! 🔥
Take a bow, Benjamin Manenti. Standing tall against a giant like England with a fearless 60 off just 25 balls.
Moments like this are why we love cricket. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0cVCAd40yK
— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCrickett) February 16, 2026
This is how a middle order should perform, with the ability to snatch the game away from the opposition, especially under pressure.
And this is Benjamin Manenti from an associate nation – Italy!
Well done, brilliant effort 🙌 pic.twitter.com/teesKqX9d2
— Amirr (@Khanu_3) February 16, 2026