THE HIGH-VOLTAGE clash between India and Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while failing (yet again) to reach competitive heights on the field, delivered big time in terms of digital viewership numbers.
According to the latest figures provided by digital rights holder JioHotstar, the India vs Pakistan match was watched by more than 454 million viewers on the platform’s app and website.
Fans from across the country tuned in on their mobile phones, smart TVs, and other devices to watch the blockbuster encounter live.
Even India’s earlier group stage match against minnows USA on February 7 received more than 260m views, where India won by 29 runs. The India vs Namibia match also recorded an impressive 240m views.
Clash fails to live up to billing
On the field, India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs in the Group A clash held in Colombo on Sunday. Batting first, India posted 175/7 in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was the star of the night as he smashed 77 runs off just 40 balls. His aggressive innings included 10 fours and 3 sixes, sending the Pakistan bowlers on a leather hunt.
In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for just 114 runs in 18 overs. The Indian bowling attack, consisting of Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Varun Chakravarthy, dominated the Pakistani batsmen. The loss of early wickets in the powerplay, meant that the final result was never in doubt.
