Mumbai: The opening match between India and New Zealand, in the T20 international series that began on 17 November, garnered a reach of 73 million (2+U+R) becoming the most-watched T20 opening match in the last three years.

The match is part of New Zealand’s tour of India that is being broadcast on the Star Sports network. As part of the series, India will play three T20 internationals and two Test matches against New Zealand.

According to data by Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India, the match garnered 15 per cent higher absolute reach than the previous high set by the opening match of India versus West Indies T20 international held in 2019.

The India vs New Zealand opening match reach, in percentage, stood at 13.1 per cent which was 11 per cent higher compared to the previous high of the Ind v WI opening match. The match also garnered a 4.9 million average minute audience (AMA) which was 16 per cent higher compared to the Ind v WI opening match.

In comparison, the opening match of India vs England T20 international this year garnered a reach of 50 million, 3.4 million AMA, and a share of reach at 10.5 per cent.