Top 5 Most Watched Indian Premier League Matches of All Time
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized cricket since its inception in 2008, and it continues to attract a huge following every year. The league features top cricket players from around the world competing in a thrilling, high-octane format that has captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide.
As the tournament’s popularity continues to grow, certain matches have stood out as the most-watched IPL matches of all time, garnering millions of viewers from all corners of the globe.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top five most-watched IPL matches in history. Let’s take a closer look at the thrilling matches that have captured the hearts of cricket fans everywhere.
Ready? Let’s begin.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (2019 IPL Final)
The IPL 2019 Final between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings was truly a grand affair, attracting a record-breaking 462 million viewers worldwide.
This final was played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, where cricket fans from around the world gathered to witness the epic encounter.
The Mumbai Indians, who batted first, set a target of 150 runs for the Chennai Super Kings to chase. The Super Kings started strong, but they lost crucial wickets at regular intervals and struggled to keep up with the required run rate.
It all came down to the last ball. CSK needed two runs to win, but they could only manage one, giving the Mumbai Indians a thrilling one-run victory. It was a heart-stopping finish to an unforgettable match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018 IPL Final)
The 2018 IPL final between the Chennai Super Kings and the Sunrisers Hyderabad was an absolute cracker of a match, drawing a massive 371 million viewers worldwide and securing its position as the second most-watched IPL match of all time.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad batted first and set a target of 179 runs for the Chennai Super Kings to chase.
Meanwhile, CSK was off to a rocky start as they struggled to keep up with the required run rate. However, Shane Watson had other plans.
He played an extraordinary inning of 117 runs off just 57 balls, showcasing his immense talent and experience to help his team secure a resounding eight-wicket victory.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (Qualifier Match in 2019)
The 2019 IPL Qualifier 1 between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings was the third most-watched IPL match of all time, with 340 million viewers. The match was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and it was a low-scoring thriller.
The Mumbai Indians batted first and set a target of just 131 runs for the Chennai Super Kings to chase. CSK lost wickets at regular intervals and was struggling to keep up with the required run rate.
Ultimately, this caused them to lose the match, and Mumbai Indians won by six wickets. This is the match that also booked their place in the IPL final.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL 2016 Final)
The IPL 2016 final between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore was undoubtedly one of the most thrilling matches in IPL history. With a staggering 326 million viewers tuning in worldwide, this high-scoring encounter was played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, which was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore batted first and set an imposing target of 209 runs for the Sunrisers Hyderabad to chase.
Cricket superstar David Warner stepped up to the plate and played a truly unforgettable knock.
He smashed 69 runs off just 38 balls, including five sixes, to help the Sunrisers pull off a stunning victory by eight runs. It was a masterclass in cricket batting and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in IPL history.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings (2018 Qualifier Match)
Last on our list is another thrilling qualifier match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2018, with a whopping 292 million viewers tuning in to watch the match.
As the match began, Sunrisers Hyderabad batted first and set a relatively low target of just 139 runs for the Chennai Super Kings to chase. CSK had a bit of a struggle in the beginning, and it was uncertain if they would be able to pull off a win.
However, Faf du Plessis, known for his exceptional batting skills, played a brilliant knock of 67 runs off just 42 balls to help his team secure a hard-fought victory by two wickets.
The excitement of this match wasn’t limited to just the on-field action. Live IPL betting was also in full swing, with fans placing their bets on their favorite teams and players. As with any high-stakes betting event, there were moments of suspense and tension as fans eagerly awaited the outcome.
Wrap Up
These are just some of the matches that have not only been the most watched cricket events but have also been some of the most thrilling and exciting cricket matches ever played.
As the IPL continues to grow in popularity, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for the tournament. With new teams and players joining the fray, there is no doubt that we will see more thrilling matches in the years to come.
