Cricket is among the most popular sports worldwide, especially in India, Pakistan, England, Australia, Bangladesh, and West Indies. Fans are passionate about the game, and some matches have drawn record-breaking viewership numbers.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) organizes major tournaments like the Cricket World Cup and the World Test Championship, where these exciting matches occur. Here, we’ll discuss the top 5 most watched cricket matches ever. These matches are not just games but events that bring millions of people together to celebrate the sport they love.
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Top 5 Most Watched Cricket Matches of All Time
1. 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final (India vs Sri Lanka)
2. 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final (India vs Pakistan)
3. 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Group Stage (India vs Pakistan)
4. 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Group Stage (India vs Pakistan)
5. 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Group Stage (India vs South Africa)
| Ranking | Teams | Date | Venue | Viewership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India vs Sri Lanka | April 2, 2011 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India | 558 Million |
| 2 | India vs Pakistan | March 30, 2011 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, India | 495 Million |
| 3 | India vs Pakistan | June 4, 2017 | Edgbaston, Birmingham, England | 324 Million |
| 4 | India vs Pakistan | February 15, 2015 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia | 313 Million |
| 5 | India vs South Africa | February 22, 2015 | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia | 300 Million |
1. 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final (India vs Sri Lanka)
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final was a historic match played between India and Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. This match was significant because India had not won a World Cup since 1983, and the excitement among the fans was at its peak.
Sri Lanka batted first and put up a challenging total of 274 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs. Mahela Jayawardene played a magnificent innings, scoring an unbeaten 103 runs. His century was filled with classy shots and brilliant strokes, making it one of the best innings in World Cup history.
When India started their innings, they faced an early setback with losing Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar’s wickets. However, Gautam Gambhir stepped up and played a crucial innings, scoring 97 runs. He anchored the innings beautifully and kept India in the hunt.
MS Dhoni, the Indian captain, played one of the most memorable innings in cricket history. He scored an unbeaten 91 runs and finished the match with a six, leading India to victory with 10 balls to spare. Everyone praised Dhoni’s captaincy and calmness under pressure.
This victory ended India’s 28-year wait for the World Cup, and millions of fans across the country celebrated it. The 2011 World Cup Final is remembered as one of the greatest matches in cricket history and was watched by 558 million people worldwide.
Match Summary
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – 274/6
🇮🇳 India – 277/4 (48.2/50 over)
India won by 6 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)
Player Of The Match – MS Dhoni 91* (79)
2. 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final (India vs Pakistan)
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final between India and Pakistan was one of the most highly anticipated matches in cricket history. The rivalry between India and Pakistan is intense, and this match lived up to the hype.
India batted first and scored 260 runs for 9 wickets in their 50 overs. Sachin Tendulkar was the top scorer with 85 runs, and his innings included some brilliant shots. Although Tendulkar was dropped multiple times, he made the most of his chances and played a crucial innings for India.
Pakistan’s bowlers did well to restrict India to 260 runs. Wahab Riaz was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 5 wickets for 46 runs. His fiery spell put pressure on the Indian batsmen, but India managed to put up a competitive total.
In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to chase the target. They were all out for 231 runs, falling 29 runs short of the target. Misbah-ul-Haq was the top scorer for Pakistan with 56 runs, but he received little support from the other batsmen. India’s bowlers, especially Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel, bowled brilliantly and took crucial wickets regularly.
This match, watched by 495 million people worldwide, is remembered for its intense rivalry and high stakes. India’s victory over Pakistan in this semi-final paved the way for their historic win in the final.
Match Summary
🇮🇳 India – 260/9
🇵🇰 Pakistan – 231 (49.5/50 over)
India won by 29 runs
Player Of The Match – Sachin Tendulkar 85 (115)
3. 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Group Stage (India vs Pakistan)
The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy group-stage match between India and Pakistan was another highly anticipated encounter. The match was held at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England, and it drew a massive viewership.
India batted first and scored a formidable total of 319 runs in 48 overs. Rain reduced the overs, affecting the match. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yuvraj Singh were in superb form, and each scored a half-century. Their powerful batting display left the Pakistani bowlers struggling to contain them.
When Pakistan came to bat, the Indian bowlers completely outplayed them. The Pakistani batsmen struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for just 164 runs in 33.4 overs. India won the match by a massive margin of 124 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
This match was watched by 324 million people worldwide and highlighted the Indian cricket team’s dominance over their arch-rivals. The one-sided nature of the game did not diminish the fans’ excitement and passion, making it one of the most-watched cricket matches of all time.
Match Summary
🇮🇳 India – 319/3 (48)
🇵🇰 Pakistan – 164/9 (33.4/41 over)
India won by 124 runs (DLS method)
Player Of The Match – Yuvraj Singh 53 (32)
4. 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Group Stage (India vs Pakistan)
The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup group stage match between India and Pakistan, played at the Adelaide Oval in Australia, was another high-stakes encounter that drew massive viewership.
India batted first and scored 300 runs for 7 wickets in their 50 overs. Virat Kohli was the star of the innings, scoring a brilliant century (107 runs). His innings were filled with beautiful shots and solid technique. Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina also contributed significantly, scoring 73 and 74 runs, respectively.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, and the target of 300 runs would always be challenging. In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure. They were all out for 224 runs in 47 overs. Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler for India, taking 4 wickets for 35 runs.
India won the match by 76 runs, maintaining their unbeaten record against Pakistan in World Cup matches. This match was watched by 313 million people worldwide, showcasing the Indian cricket team’s dominance in high-pressure situations.
Match Summary
🇮🇳 India – 300/7
🇵🇰 Pakistan – 224 (47/50 over)
India won by 76 runs
Player Of The Match – Virat Kohli 107 (126)
5. 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Group Stage (India vs South Africa)
In the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup group stage, India faced South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This match was highly anticipated as both teams were strong contenders for the title.
India batted first and posted a massive total of 307 runs for 7 wickets in their 50 overs. Shikhar Dhawan was the hero of the innings, scoring an outstanding 137 runs. His innings were filled with powerful shots and clever placement. Ajinkya Rahane also played a crucial innings, scoring 79 runs and supporting Dhawan brilliantly.
In response, South Africa struggled to chase the target. They were all out for just 177 runs in 40.2 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin was the best bowler for India, taking 3 wickets for 41 runs. Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma also bowled well, taking 2 wickets each.
India won the match by a comprehensive margin of 130 runs. This match was watched by 300 million people worldwide and demonstrated India’s dominance in the tournament.
Match Summary
🇮🇳 India – 307/7
🇿🇦 South Africa – 177 (40.2/50 over)
India won by 130 runs
Player Of The Match – Shikhar Dhawan 137 (146) & 2 catches
Conclusion
These top 5 most-watched cricket matches of all time were not just games but significant events that brought millions of people together. The excitement, thrill, and unforgettable moments made these matches the most watched in cricket history. Cricket continues to be a sport that unites fans worldwide; these matches are a testament to that.
FAQs
Q1. Why is India vs Pakistan matches so popular?
Ans: India vs Pakistan matches are very popular because of the intense rivalry between the two countries. The matches are always very exciting and have a lot of history behind them.
Q2. What is the ICC?
Ans: The ICC, or International Cricket Council, is the main governing body of cricket. It organizes major international tournaments, such as the Cricket World Cup.
Q3. Why was the 2011 World Cup Final so special for India?
Ans: The 2011 World Cup Final was memorable for India because it was their first World Cup win since 1983. The match was played in India, and the victory brought immense joy and pride to the country.
Q4. How many people watched the 2011 World Cup Final?
Ans: The 2011 World Cup Final was watched by 558 million people worldwide.
Q5. Who was the top scorer in the 2011 World Cup Final?
Ans: Gautam Gambhir was India’s top scorer in the 2011 World Cup Final, with 97 runs. Mahela Jayawardene was Sri Lanka’s top scorer, with 103 runs not out.
Q6. Which match had the closest finish?
Ans: The 2011 World Cup Final between India and Sri Lanka was close, with India winning by 6 wickets with 10 balls to spare.
Q7. What is the DLS method?
Ans: The DLS method, or Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, is a mathematical formula for calculating target scores in rain-affected cricket matches.
Q8. How many times have India and Pakistan faced each other in the World Cup?
Ans: India and Pakistan have faced each other 8 times in the Cricket World Cup, with India winning all 8 matches.
Q9. Who were the key players in the 2015 World Cup group stage match between India and South Africa?
Ans: The key players in the 2015 World Cup group stage match between India and South Africa were Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 137 runs, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who took 3 wickets for 41 runs.
