The official digital and broadcast partner JioHotstar has revealed that the India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 delivered record-breaking numbers. Notably, the match registered the highest reach ever for any ICC T20 game, surpassing the viewership of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.
Team India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in a T20 World Cup group-stage match in Colombo on February 15, 2026. Ishan Kishan scored 77 off 40 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes, as India posted a total of 175/7. Pakistan faltered in the chase, losing early wickets and getting bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
India vs Pakistan Clash Sets New Digital Viewership Records at T20 World Cup 2026
On Friday, the official digital and broadcast partner revealed that the India vs Pakistan match reached 163 million viewers, the highest ever for any ICC T20 match. It also surpassed the viewership of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa.
The digital reach grew by 56% compared to the India-Pakistan clash at the 2024 T20 World Cup. On mobile, the match recorded the highest reach for any league-stage game in ICC T20 history and drew 1.2 times more viewers than their last meeting in 2024.
The match also performed strongly on connected TV, with a reach 2.4 times higher than the India-Pakistan game from the 2024 edition. The figures once again highlighted the unmatched pull of cricket’s biggest rivalry.
Fans Watched 20 Billion Minutes During India vs Pakistan Clash
Fans watched a total of 20 billion minutes across all screens during the India vs Pakistan match. This marked a 42% jump in overall consumption compared to their clash in the previous edition. India’s dominant display also helped them extend their T20 World Cup head-to-head record against Pakistan to 8-1.
The match also delivered strong numbers on television. On linear TV, it recorded a 71% rise in TV ratings, making it the highest-rated India-Pakistan T20 game since 2021. The figures showed that traditional TV continues to attract large audiences for marquee matches.
With associate teams also producing competitive games, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has seen growing interest overall. By the end of the group stage, the tournament’s digital reach is already set to surpass the total reach of the entire previous edition.
The Response to the India-Pakistan Clash Sets the Tone – Anup Govindan
India have secured their place in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 21. The defending champions are now focused on retaining the title and scripting another successful campaign.
“The build-up to the India vs Pakistan game at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the match itself had all the ingredients of a spectacle. The record-breaking reach and consumption reflect the scale at which fans all over engage with this tournament across platforms,” said Anup Govindan, Head – Sales, Sports, JioStar.
“This tournament has already delivered thrilling moments for fans worldwide, and the response to the India-Pakistan clash sets the tone for an exciting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with the best yet to come.”
“The unprecedented viewership and engagement numbers for India vs Pakistan is further proof of the nation’s obsession with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” said Siddharth Sharma, Head of Content, Sports – JioStar.
“Complementing the Indian Cricket Team’s stellar exploits on the field with unmatched scale and choice of unique content offerings, JioStar is giving viewers more than one reason to stay locked in as India attempts to defeat history and become the first ever back-to-back T20 World Champions.”
Also read: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 final booked and sealed
