New Zealand Cricket and Sky will stream the opening six overs of the India vs New Zealand T20I series live on TikTok. Starting Thursday, October 22, fans can watch the Powerplay action on the official BLACKCAPS account. This move aims to reach younger viewers who use the popular video platform.
Cricket is coming to TikTok as New Zealand Cricket and Sky stream the opening six overs of the India vs New Zealand T20I series live on the platform in New Zealand. The move aims to attract younger fans by bringing live cricket to the vertical-video format popular with reel-loving audiences.
Cricket is ready to enter the scroll zone. In a move that brings the gentleman's game closer to the reel generation, New Zealand Cricket will stream the opening six overs of selected T20Is live on TikTok, starting with the first T20I between India and New Zealand on Thursday, October 22.
Yes, the same platform where youngsters share dance challenges, funny clips and viral reels is now making room for sixes, wickets and Powerplay drama. Forget swiping past a dance trend, your next scroll could feature a batter sending the ball into the stands.
The initiative, announced by New Zealand Cricket and broadcaster Sky, will see the opening six overs streamed live in vertical format on the official BLACKCAPS TikTok account. The stream is designed to give fans a mobile-friendly way to catch the most explosive phase of a T20 innings. The first match begins at 8 pm local time in Christchurch, which is 12:30 pm IST on October 22. The TikTok stream is intended for viewers in New Zealand.
FROM REELS TO REAL CRICKET
The move reflects a wider shift in sports broadcasting, as rights holders look beyond traditional television and streaming services to reach younger audiences on the platforms they already use every day.
The first six overs of a T20 innings are tailor-made for short-form viewing, with fielding restrictions encouraging attacking shots and creating early wicket-taking opportunities. In other words, it is cricket's own highlight reel, except fans can watch the action unfold live.
New Zealand Cricket hopes the initiative will introduce the sport to a younger generation and encourage viewers to tune in for the rest of the match through conventional broadcast platforms. The full India-New Zealand match will be available free-to-air in New Zealand on Three and ThreeNow.
So, while TikTok won't replace the full 20-over spectacle just yet, cricket is clearly ready to meet fans where they scroll. And who knows? The next viral moment might not be a dance, it could be a towering six.
When to watch the India vs New Zealand T20I series
The T20Is between India and New Zealand will start at 12:30 PM IST and 8 PM local time.
Where to watch the India vs New Zealand T20I series
In New Zealand, the T20I series will be broadcast live on Three and ThreeNow, with live streaming of the opening six overs available on TikTok.
In India, the series will be televised on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on Sony LIV.