The ODI World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, garnered immense attention, with a staggering 92,453 cricket enthusiasts in attendance. Despite falling short of the record set in the 2015 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where 93,013 spectators witnessed the clash between the same two cricketing giants, the vibrant atmosphere in Ahmedabad added to the spectacle.
Streaming Records Shattered
While the stadium echoed with cheers and emotions, the digital space witnessed a surge in viewership. Disney+Hotstar reported a record peak viewership of over 5.9 crore during the live stream of the final match. The peak concurrency, representing the highest number of viewers during a live stream, underscored the global appeal of the marquee clash, even as the host nation, India, ended on the losing side.
The cricket fever extended beyond traditional viewing platforms, as leading multiplex operator PVR INOX embraced the excitement. The final match was screened across 150 cinemas in more than 60 cities, encompassing major metros, Tier-1, 2, and 3 cities. PVR INOX Ltd Executive Director Sanjeev Kumar Bijli revealed that over 70,000 cricket enthusiasts flocked to the cinemas, achieving an impressive 70% occupancy when the match commenced.
Australia Clinches Victory
However, the cricketing spectacle had its share of surprises on the field as Australia successfully chased down a meagre target of 241. Opting to bowl first, Australia restricted India to 240 All Out. The successful chase was powered by a stellar performance from Travis Head, who secured a century, and Marnus Labuschagne, who contributed a crucial fifty, securing Australia’s triumph by 6 wickets.
The combination of a thrilling match, a massive stadium turnout, and unprecedented digital viewership marked the ODI World Cup 2023 final as a historic event in the cricketing calendar. Despite India’s defeat, the cricketing extravaganza showcased the sport’s enduring popularity and its ability to captivate audiences across various platforms.
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