India’s triumph over New Zealand sets a new global streaming record

A global streaming record was in order on Sunday as 43 million people tuned in to Disney+ Hotstar to watch India beat New Zealand at Dharamshala during the ongoing ICC cricket World Cup.

The viewership initially crossed the 40 million-mark as Virat Kohli scored 95 from 104 deliveries, 5 runs short of a century. Kohli’s innings was studded with a total of 8 boundaries and 2 sixes, before he was caught by Matt Henry off Glenn Phillips as he attempted to hit a six.

“Virat Kohli never gives up; he never lacks intensity. He is always there for the team and is the biggest chase master in world cricket. The nation needs to acknowledge and salute this soldier,” wrote former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif on X (formerly Twitter).

Virat Kohli never gives up; he never lacks intensity. He is always there for the team and is the biggest chase master in world cricket. The nation needs to acknowledge and salute this soldier. #ViratKohli #INDvsNZ @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/UG3gKjbmsv

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 22, 2023

After Kohli’s setback, Ravindra Jadeja helped secure the win for India as the game ended in their favor with 4 wickets to spare, prolonging their unbeaten streak during this world cup.

It was during the final over that the global viewership crossed the 43 million-mark.

During the match, Disney+ Hotstar surpassed its previously held record of 35 million views during the much anticipated match between India and Pakistan on 14 October.

“Déjà woohoo! Another record-breaking performance by all of us! 🎉🥳 Time for a hat-trick?” posted Disney+ Hotstar on X (formerly Twitter).

Déjà woohoo! Another record-breaking performance by all of us! 🎉🥳
Time for a hat-trick?🤞#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/IBm2V39dIl

— Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) October 22, 2023

Along with that, the newly set record surpassed India’s viewership numbers on the JioCinema app seen during the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France, where the former took home the trophy after 37 years.

The viewership numbers are expected to rise and perhaps set a new record if India continues to floor audiences and carry on with the winning streak when they play England on 29 October at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.