India vs England: Samson’s 89 At Wankhede Repeats Kohli’s 2016 T20 World Cup Semi-Final Feat

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Mumbai, March 5: India opener Sanju Samson etched his name in the record books during the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium, scoring a scintillating 89 off 42 balls on Thursday (March 5). In doing so, Samson equalled Virat Kohli's record for the highest individual score by an Indian in a Men's T20 World Cup knockout match.

Samson's explosive knock, which included eight fours and seven sixes, powered India's innings in the high-pressure contest. However, the number carries a bittersweet reminder for Indian fans, as Kohli's identical score came in a match that ended in heartbreak for India.

Kohli's 2016 Knock Still Haunts India

The previous instance of an Indian scoring 89 in a T20 World Cup knockout game came during the 2016 semi-final against West Indies, also played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

On that occasion, Kohli produced a masterclass, smashing 89 not out off 47 balls to guide India to 192/2 in the semi-final. Despite the commanding total and Kohli's heroic effort, India were unable to defend the score.

West Indies successfully chased down the target in 19.4 overs, knocking India out of the tournament and eventually going on to win the title.

Samson Lights Up Wankhede

A decade later, Samson replicated the same score at the very same venue. The wicketkeeper-batter walked in after the early dismissal of Abhishek Sharma but immediately took the attack to the England bowlers.

Samson was given a lifeline early in his innings when he was dropped on 15 off Jofra Archer, and the Kerala batter capitalised on the opportunity with a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes.

The right-hander looked set for a memorable century before eventually falling for 89 off 42 balls, dismissed by Will Jacks as Phil Salt completed a catch at deep cover.

A Record With Mixed Emotions

While Samson's innings stands as one of the finest by an Indian in a T20 World Cup knockout match, the record he now shares with Kohli carries emotional weight for Indian cricket followers.

Both knocks - Kohli's in 2016 and Samson's in 2026 - came in semi-finals at the Wankhede Stadium, underlining the venue's history of dramatic and high-stakes encounters in the global tournament.