India vs New Zealand World Cup Match Sets 4.3 Cr Streaming Record

In yet another astounding feat, the clash between India and New Zealand during the World Cup match has set a new world record with 4.3 crore people streaming the game concurrently on Disney+Hotstar. This achievement comes hot on the heels of the record-breaking India vs Pakistan match, reaffirming the popularity of cricket coverage on the platform.

India emerged victorious in the game against New Zealand, thanks to the remarkable performances of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami. Chasing a target of 274, the Indian team secured a magnificent four-wicket win with two overs to spare. This triumph holds special significance as it marks India's first victory against the Black Caps in an ICC World Event in two decades, with their last win dating back to the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Over the years, New Zealand has proven to be a formidable opponent for India, inflicting defeats in crucial matches. The Kiwis emerged victorious in the first T20 World Cup in 2007, the 2019 World Cup semi-final, which saw India bow out due to rain, and the 2021 World Test Championship final. Notably, the semi-final clash between India and New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup also set a record on Hotstar, with 2.6 crore viewers watching the game simultaneously.

However, this record was surpassed during the riveting India vs Pakistan match, which saw a staggering 3.5 crore viewers streaming the game concurrently. Disney Hotstar has made the streaming of the World Cup matches freely accessible to viewers and has introduced "Max view," a feature that offers a comprehensive coverage of the matches in a vertical view reminiscent of Instagram Reels.

Previously, Hotstar held the rights for broadcasting all cricket matches hosted by the BCCI, as well as the IPL. However, this year, the rights were acquired by Jio Cinema, the streaming venture of India's wealthiest man, Mukesh Ambani. Disney is currently facing challenges in the streaming space and is considering various options for its linear TV business, Star, in India, which may also involve the inclusion of the Hotstar streaming service. This move aims to mitigate the mounting losses incurred from their venture into non-linear programming.

Indeed, with record-breaking streaming numbers and an ever-evolving competitive landscape, the popularity of cricket in India continues to soar, captivating millions of fans across the nation.