In an exciting clash at the ICC Champions Trophy final on March 9, 2025, New Zealand took the lead by winning the toss and choosing to bat first against India at the Dubai International Stadium. As cricket fans buzzed with anticipation, the match set a remarkable record, with an incredible 282 million viewers streaming live on Jio Hotstar during the first innings.
Exciting Cricket Showdown
The final was highly anticipated, especially after the thrilling matches leading up to it, including the intense India vs Pakistan clash earlier in the tournament. Before the match, New Zealand managed to score 145 runs for just 4 wickets in 32.3 overs, giving India something to chase in the second innings. With both teams having strong performances in previous rounds, viewers were glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting every ball bowled and run scored.
High Demand for Streaming
The overwhelming numbers of fans tuning in showcase the growing popularity of live sports, especially in cricket-crazy nations. With over 282 million viewers on Jio Hotstar, the Champions Trophy final has surpassed even the previous India vs Pakistan fixture, where over 602 million viewers were reported watching the match.
- New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first.
- The match is being held in Dubai.
- Viewership numbers are an indication of cricket’s massive appeal.
How to Watch the Action Live
For cricket lovers wanting to catch the action live on their devices, Jio Hotstar provides a seamless streaming experience, with options for various subscription plans. Viewers using the Jio network are especially in luck, as they can subscribe to plans that offer Jio Hotstar for free alongside data packages. With the match starting at 2:30 PM IST, fans had to ensure their plans were set up to not miss a single moment of the nail-biting action.
Subscription Plans on Jio Hotstar
If you are looking to jump aboard the cricket viewing train, here is a breakdown of some Jio and Vi prepaid mobile plans that come with free Jio Hotstar mobile access.
| Provider | Plan Cost (Rs) | Data | Validity | Jio Hotstar Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jio | 195 | 15GB | 90 days | 3 months (mobile) |
| Jio | 949 | 2GB/day | 84 days | 3 months (mobile) |
| Vi | 151 | 4GB | 30 days | 3 months (mobile) |
| Vi | 169 | 8GB | 30 days | 3 months (mobile) |
| Vi | 469 | 2.5GB/day | 28 days | 3 months (mobile) |
India’s Stellar Performance History
India’s performance in the tournament has been outstanding, as demonstrated by their semi-final match against Australia that attracted a whopping 669 million viewers on Jio Hotstar. This match, alongside other high-stakes matches during the tournament, has highlighted the depth of support for cricket in India. From passionate fans to electrifying performances, the ICC Champions Trophy has brought people together, creating lasting memories.
What to Expect Next
As both teams gear up for the second innings of this high-stakes encounter, cricket enthusiasts can rest assured that Jio Hotstar will continue providing coverage of this thrilling tournament. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the service if they haven’t yet, given the amazing plans available and the action-packed matches that are still to come. The excitement doesn’t have to stop at the Champions Trophy, as the cricketing season is full of more engaging competitions to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
