NEW DELHI: The epic one day international between South Africa and Australia, which saw eight records tumble during the record run chase by the Proteas, registered a very impressive TVR of 3.1 in India on 12 March, 2006.

Sports broadcaster ESPN garnered highest channel share of 16.5 pr cent during South Africa’s historic run chase against the world Champion. ESPN Star Sports is broadcasting Australia’s tour of South Africa covering the five one day internationals and three test series between the two cricketing giants.

ESPN’s share was almost thrice than the next competing channel Star Plus during the time 1743 -2203 hrs on 12 March. Star Plus garnered 6.1 pr cent, Zee Cinema 4.9 per cent, Sony 3.2 per cent and DD National 2.7 per cent during the time period, an official statement from ESS said today, basing it on TAM figures (Males, 15+, SEC ABC all-India).
The simulcast of India-England Test match on the same day garnered a rating of 3.1 (DD1) and 1.8 (Sahara One).

And it's not just once-in-a-lifetime matches like the one witnessed in Johanesburg that are getting in the viewer numbers, according to ESPN. Non-India cricket ratings have been on a rise, the channel claims. ESPN’s channel share surged ahead of all satellite channels during the victorious run chase of Bangladesh against Australia on 18 June, 2005, the statement avers.

ESPN registered a channel share of 8.1 which was way ahead of other channels including Star Plus (6.9), Sony (5.7) and Zee TV (4.6).