As Team India prepares for a thrilling semi-final showdown against England in the T20 World Cup 2026, the excitement is palpable among fans in Mumbai. The ‘Men in Blue’ are determined to deliver a stellar performance in front of their home crowd, aiming for consecutive T20 World Cup finals.
Historically, India has flourished at the Wankhede Stadium. Their journey in this tournament kicked off here with a convincing victory against the USA, marking their only match at this iconic venue so far. Now, as they seek another win in their ‘fortress’ against the two-time champions, England, the pressure is on for the Suryakumar Yadav-led team.
The last time India faced England at Wankhede in a T20I was in February 2025, during the final match of a five-game series. With the series already clinched following a dominant performance in Pune, the ‘Men in Blue’ showcased their power in Mumbai, spearheaded by the dynamic Abhishek Sharma.
Sharma made quite an impression on the Mumbai audience, scoring India’s second-fastest T20I century. He blazed through to 135 runs off just 54 balls, leaving the English bowlers bewildered. His innings featured 7 fours and an impressive 13 sixes, essentially sealing the game for India.
India raced to 97 runs in the Powerplay and finished with a colossal total of 247 runs in their allotted 20 overs. In response, England crumbled, bowled out for just 97 runs in a little over 10 overs—marking one of their heaviest defeats in T20I history. Mohammed Shami was exceptional with the ball, taking 3 wickets, while Shivam Dube and Varun Chakravarthy contributed with two wickets apiece, leading India to a resounding victory.
This 150-run drubbing remains engraved as England’s worst T20I loss at that time, triggering a shake-up within their squad. Now, the revamped English side, captained by Harry Brook, is eager to avenge that historic defeat at this grand stage.
England appears to be hitting their stride just when it matters most. After overcoming a scare against Nepal and bouncing back from a disappointing loss to the West Indies, the ‘Three Lions’ regrouped and topped Group 2 to secure their semi-final spot. With a match against home favorites India looming, Brook and his team are motivated to extend their recent success.
On the Indian front, morale is high. Following a setback against South Africa, India has regained its form and is now considered the frontrunner to defend their title. The Suryakumar-led squad will look back fondly on their previous encounter with England at Wankhede and aim to replicate that success once again.
T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG: Full Squads
India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rinku Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma.
England: Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jos Buttler (WK), Jamie Overton, Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer, Luke Wood, Sam Curran, Phil Salt (WK), Josh Tongue, Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed.