Ben Manenti scored 60(25) vs ENG [Source: Crex_live/X.com]Just days after their historic first win in the ICC Men's T20 World Cups, Italy went all in to take on England and upset them at the Eden Gardens Stadium on Monday afternoon after they were asked to chase 203 runs in 20 overs.Middle-order batter Ben Manenti was in the thick of things once again at the same venue as he made England feel jitters for a while in the middle. After becoming their first fifty scorer in the tournament against Scotland, his confidence looked high against England as he raced away to a 22-ball fifty to write history.Before being dismissed on 60 off 25, Manenti added his name to the list of associate batters with the fastest fifties in the tournament's history.Fastest 50 for an associate batter in T20 World CupsThe record is currently held by the former Netherlands batter Stephan Myburg, who got to his fifty in 17 balls in 2014. However, with a 22-ball fifty, Manenti equalled Aaron Jones' record for the second-fastest associate fifty in the tournament.1. Stephan Mybyrg (Netherlands) - 17 balls vs Ireland, Sylhet, 2014.2. Aaron Jones (USA) - 22 balls vs Canada, Grand Prairie, 2024.3. Ben Manenti (Italy) - 22 balls vs England, Kolkata, 2026.4. Sanjay Krishnamurthi (USA) - 23 balls vs Namibia, Chennai, 2026.5. Shafiqullah Shinwari (Afghanistan) - 24 balls vs Hong Kong, Chattogram, 2014.Ben Menenti's fifty in vainAfter being asked to chase the big target, the Italians had an early hiccup during their batting after losing 3 early wickets in the powerplay. They went from 1/1, 1/2 to 22/3 under just 4 overs when Manenti walked in to bat.Justin Mosca, who scored a fifty against Nepal, batted alongside Manenti as the duo stitched a 92-run stand for the fourth wicket. Following some crucial boundaries on and off, Manenti took on Jacks and scored 20 from his over before he got carried away and caught at long on in the same over.Manenti was soon followed to the dressing room by Justin Mosca after his 43 (34) and quick wickets of Marcus Campoiano and Gian-Piero Meade. At the 15-over mark, they were ahead of England with 136/5 to the opponent's 124/5, but the longish tail means their hopes of chasing the target are negligible.Crucial tournament for Italian cricketPlaying their first ICC major event ever in their cricketing history, the performances in all three matches against Scotland, Nepal and England have been a big positive for the Italians. As it is widely said, featuring and learning from this event is likely to facilitate the development of infrastructure in the country and inspire some local talent.After collecting 2 points against a good Nepal team, Italy will face the two-time T20 World Cup winner West Indies in their final group stage fixture at the same venue. West Indies have already qualified for the Super 8 and could rotate their squad, and Nepal can fancy their chances of causing an upset or at least putting on a strong performance.
