What happened when India last played T20 WC semi-final at Wankhede Stadium?

India is back in familiar territory. With a clinical win over West Indies in a virtual quarter-final at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the defending champions have sealed their place in the semi-finals. Awaiting them on March 5 is England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the very venue where India played a T20 World Cup semi-final a decade ago.

What happened when India last played T20 WC semi-final at Wankhede Stadium?

The last time India featured in a T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede was during the 2016 edition, when they faced West Indies. Batting first, India rode on an unbeaten 89 off 47 balls from Virat Kohli to post a 192/2 in 20 overs. Kohli’s innings was supported by useful contributions from Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.

At 192 on a good batting surface, India appeared the favourites. Early strikes in the chase, including the wicket of Chris Gayle, strengthened that hope. But Lendl Simmons was twice dismissed off no-balls, once by Ravichandran Ashwin and once by Hardik Pandya. Both times, India celebrated, only for replays to reveal overstepping. Simmons made the home team pay dearly, finishing unbeaten on 82 off 51 balls. Alongside him, Johnson Charles smashed 52, and Andre Russell provided the finishing touch with a 43* off 20.

West Indies chased down 193 with two balls to spare, winning by seven wickets and knocking India out of the tournament. The no-balls, missed opportunities, and fielding lapses, including a relay catch ruled a boundary, hurt India's chances. West Indies went on to lift the trophy.

India to take on England in T20WC 2026 Semi-final

However, a decade later, now in 2026, India entered their final Super 8 clash against the West Indies knowing it was effectively a knockout. Both teams needed a win to progress. Put in to bat, the West Indies posted 195, courtesy of a late contribution from their middle order.

This time, however, India held their nerve in the chase. Leading from the front was Sanju Samson, who delivered one of the finest innings of the tournament. His unbeaten 97 off 50 balls anchored the pursuit. He stitched crucial partnerships with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, ensuring the Men in Blue stayed ahead of the required rate.

India chased down 196 with four balls to spare and five wickets in hand, eliminating the two-time champions and booking their semi-final berth. Now, India returns to Wankhede for the semi-final, this time to face England.