Welcome to the exciting world of cricket in the digital age! The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup wasn’t just a tournament; it was a global digital festival that united millions of cricket enthusiasts. This grand event not only showcased the best of cricketing talent but also set new records in digital viewership, changing the way we experience the game. Let’s dive into the top three matches that captured the hearts and screens of cricket fans worldwide, turning into the most-watched digital spectacles in the history of the sport.
In what can only be described as a historic moment for digital sports broadcasting, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia set a new benchmark. Disney+Hotstar, the streaming giant, witnessed an unprecedented 5.9 crore concurrent viewers during this gripping final. This match not only captivated millions with its high-octane gameplay but also marked a watershed moment in digital sports viewership.
Team India set a challenging target of 240 runs, which the Australian team, led by the stellar performances of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, chased down with remarkable ease. This victory marked Australia’s sixth World Cup win, with Travis Head earning the ‘Player of the Match’ title for his exceptional innings.
Sajith Sivanandan, the Head of Disney+Hotstar India, commented on this viewership milestone, emphasizing the blend of sporting excellence and fan passion. He noted the role of Indian cricket fans in propelling digital streaming to new heights, with this event nearly doubling any previous peak concurrency records.
Not far behind the final in terms of digital viewership was the semi-final clash between India and New Zealand. This match saw a staggering 5.3 crore concurrent viewers on Disney+Hotstar, a figure that underlines the intense following cricket enjoys in these regions.
India’s triumph over New Zealand by 70 runs was a spectacle of skill and strategy, particularly highlighted during the final overs of India’s bowling attack. This match not only kept viewers on the edge of their seats but also demonstrated the growing appeal of cricket on digital platforms.
The World Cup 2023 match between India and South Africa also made it to the top three, with a viewership of 4.6 crore on Disney+Hotstar. This match was particularly notable for Virat Kohli hitting his 50th ODI century, a momentous achievement that undoubtedly contributed to the high viewership numbers.
Apart from Kohli’s century, this match was also significant as Mohammed Shami became the first Indian bowler to take 7 wickets in a single match in the Men’s World Cup 2023. This blend of individual brilliance and team effort was a key factor in drawing such a large digital audience.
These three matches not only represent high points in cricketing excellence but also signify a shift in how audiences consume sports. The record-breaking viewership numbers on Disney+Hotstar for these matches reflect a broader trend towards digital platforms in sports broadcasting. As we move forward, it is clear that digital viewership will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports engagement, with cricket at the forefront of this transformation.
