T20 World Cup sibling history: Italy quartet Mosca-Manenti pairs write new chapter

The Manenti and Mosca brothers [Source: X]

Italy's maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup appearance ended in a 73-run defeat to Scotland, who posted 207-4 before bundling the Azzurri out for 134 in 16.4 overs. Yet the match will be remembered for the heartwarming story of four Australian-born players of Italian descent, the Mosca and Manenti duos, who etched their names into tournament folklore.

Anthony and Justin Mosca became the first pair of brothers to open the batting in a T20 World Cup innings, joining an elite list that includes the Pathans, McCullum brothers, Bravo siblings, Morkels, and Husseys.

The Mosca-Manenti brother pairs get going on T20 World Cup 2026 debut

The Mosca brothers' stay was brief and challenging. Justin fell first ball for a duck to Michael Leask, while Anthony struck a four and six in his 13 before departing. A quick third wicket left Italy reeling at 40-3.

Enter Harry Manenti and Ben Manenti, childhood friends who grew up playing front-yard cricket in Moorebank. The pair staged a spirited recovery with a 73-run fourth-wicket stand, coincidentally matching Scotland's winning margin. Harry Manenti smashed 37 off 25 balls, showing aggressive intent, before falling to Leask.

Benjamin top-scored with a composed 52 off 31, becoming the first Italian to register a T20 World Cup half-century. Their partnership lifted Italy from crisis to 113-3, offering brief hope in the chase.

Qualifying via grandparents who migrated post-World War II, the quartet, symbolise Italy's rising story of cricket and brotherhood. Despite the collapse that followed their camaraderie and fight provided a shining history they made, that Italy will remeber for days to come.

The brother pairs were a delight to watch, who etched their name alongside historic brother partnerships.

Brother pairs who played the T20 World Cup together

Speaking of iconic brotherhoods in the game, the Pathan brothers were part of India’s inaugural T20 World Cup triumph in 2007. Together, they became the first set of brothers to win a T20 World Cup title. 

On the other hand, the McCullum brothers were central to New Zealand’s consistency in T20 World Cups. Brendon’s attacking starts and Nathan’s control with the ball made them one of the most impactful sibling duos across multiple editions.

Dwayne Bravo and Darren Bravo were part of West Indies’ historic 2012 T20 World Cup win. Dwayne Bravo was outstanding with the ball and finished as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. Darren Bravo anchored the batting with composure in pressure situations. Their combined performances helped West Indies lift their first T20 World Cup trophy.

The Morkel brothers gave South Africa balance and firepower as the duo were one of South Africa’s most valuable T20 World Cup assets. 

Meanwhile, Michael Hussey played several match-saving innings, famously guiding chases under pressure, while David Hussey added quick runs and part-time spin. Michael later went on to win the 2012 T20 World Cup, becoming one of Australia’s most reliable finishers in ICC events.

Italy quartet to feature again

However, the Manenti brothers will feature in the T20 World Cup 2026 once again as Italy face Nepal in their next group-stage clash on February 12 at 3 PM IST at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

With Italy placed in Group C, they are currently at the bottom of the table after losing their inaugural match and have a net run rate of minus 3.650.