The 2023 Cricket World Cup bore witness to an epic showdown between India and New Zealand, a spectacle that had cricket fans perched on the edge of their seats. Streamed exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar, this exhilarating match not only showcased the exceptional prowess of Virat Kohli but also etched new records in live streaming viewership.
On that unforgettable Sunday, an astounding 40 million cricket aficionados tuned in to witness the battle between India and New Zealand. As Virat Kohli approached a milestone, seeking to equal the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs), live streaming viewership skyrocketed to an astonishing 43 million. This wasn’t just about cricket; it was a moment of historic significance in digital streaming. This record-breaking viewership on Disney+ Hotstar set a benchmark, surpassing all previous records for international matches involving India.
The prior record for viewership during India’s international matches stood at 35 million, achieved during the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup. This colossal number of viewers tuning in to witness the India-New Zealand encounter underlines the depth of cricket’s fervor in India.
Cricket World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli Couldn’t Score A Hundred But Created A Humungous Record
While the match pulsated with excitement, there was a tinge of disappointment for Virat Kohli’s fans as he narrowly missed achieving his 49th ODI century. The cricket maestro fell just five runs short of the coveted three-figure mark, being dismissed at 95. Despite this, Kohli played a pivotal role in securing India’s fifth consecutive victory in the 2023 World Cup.
Kohli’s contributions with the bat were complemented by the unbeaten 39 runs of Ravindra Jadeja. The partnership between Kohli and Jadeja played a critical role in India’s triumph. Jadeja’s consistent performance and his ability to offer valuable support from the other end cannot be understated.
Although Kohli shone with the bat, it was Mohammad Shami who seized the limelight with his exceptional bowling. In his first game of the 2023 World Cup, Shami displayed remarkable performance as a bowler. He claimed his second five-wicket haul in the tournament’s history, dramatically shifting the game in India’s favour. Shami’s brilliant bowling performance was instrumental in breaking the formidable partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra.
The New Zealand duo, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, established a formidable 159-run partnership. Their resilience and skill posed a substantial challenge to the Indian bowlers. However, it was Mohammad Shami who ultimately dismantled their partnership, leading India to bundle out New Zealand for a total of 273 runs.
As the 2023 World Cup unfolds, Team India continues to assert itself as a formidable force. Their next match is scheduled against England in Lucknow on October 29, a highly anticipated encounter.
