Cricket may look confusing at first, especially when you see numbers like 245/6, RR 5.2, or Target: 182 in 20 overs. But once you understand how scoring works, cricket becomes one of the most enjoyable sports to follow.
In this guide, we’ll break down the cricket scoring system in the simplest possible way, using real match examples so anyone can understand, whether you’re a beginner, casual fan, or aspiring cricketer.
1. How Are Runs Scored in Cricket?
Runs are the basic unit of scoring in cricket. A batting team scores runs in the following ways:
Running Between the Wickets
- Batsmen run from one end to the other after hitting the ball
- 1 run = one complete run
- 2 or 3 runs = multiple crossings
Boundaries
- 4 runs: Ball touches the ground before crossing the boundary
- 6 runs: Ball clears the boundary without touching the ground
Example:
If a batsman hits the ball past the boundary on the ground, 4 runs
If the ball goes directly into the crowd, 6 runs
2. What Is an Over in Cricket?
An over consists of 6 legal deliveries bowled by one bowler.
- After one over, another bowler bowls from the opposite end
- Overs control match length in limited-overs cricket
Overs by Format:
- T20: 20 overs per side
- ODI: 50 overs per side
- Test Cricket: Unlimited overs (time-based)
3. Understanding the Score Format (Example Explained)
You’ll often see scores written like:
India: 250/7 (50 overs)
This means:
- 250 runs scored
- 7 wickets lost
- 50 overs completed
If all 10 wickets fall, the innings ends, even if overs remain.
4. What Are Wickets in Cricket?
A wicket represents a batsman getting out.
There are 10 wickets per team in an innings.
Common Ways a Batsman Gets Out:
- Bowled
- Caught
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
- Run Out
- Stumped
When 10 wickets fall, the batting innings is over
5. Extras (Bonus Runs in Cricket)
Extras are runs awarded without the batsman hitting the ball properly.
Types of Extras:
| Extra Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No Ball | Illegal delivery (overstep, high full toss) |
| Wide | Ball too wide to hit |
| Bye | Runs without touching bat |
| Leg Bye | Ball hits body, not bat |
Extras add to the team score, not to the batsman’s individual score.
6. What Is Run Rate in Cricket?
Run Rate Formula:
Run Rate = Total Runs ÷ Overs Played
Example:
- 100 runs in 20 overs
- Run Rate = 5.00
Required Run Rate (RRR)
Used in chases to show how fast runs must be scored.
7. How Targets Work in Cricket
In limited-overs cricket:
- The team batting first sets a target
- The team batting second must score 1 run more to win
Example:
- Team A scores 180
- Team B must score 181 to win
8. Result Types in Cricket
Possible Match Results:
- Win (by runs or wickets)
- Loss
- Tie (same score)
- No Result (rain/interruption)
- Draw (only in Test cricket)
9. Duck, Strike Rate & Other Common Terms
Duck
A batsman was dismissed without scoring any runs.
Strike Rate (Batting)
(Runs Scored ÷ Balls Faced) × 100
Higher strike rate = faster scoring.
10. Scoring Differences by Format
| Format | Overs | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Unlimited | Patience & defense |
| ODI | 50 | Balance of attack & control |
| T20 | 20 | Aggressive scoring |
Why Understanding the Scoring System Matters
- Helps you follow matches confidently
- Improves game awareness for players
- Makes watching cricket more enjoyable
- Essential for students, fans, and beginners
Conclusion
The cricket scoring system may seem complex at first, but once you understand runs, overs, wickets, and extras, everything starts to make sense. Whether you’re watching a street match, an IPL game, or a Test cricket, these basics help you enjoy the sport at a deeper level.
Cricket isn’t just about numbers; it’s about timing, strategy, and moments that make every run count.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cricket Scoring
Q1. How is the score written in cricket?
A cricket score is written as Runs/Wickets. For example, 180/5 means 180 runs scored with 5 wickets lost.
Q2. How many runs are needed to win a match?
The chasing team must score one run more than the opponent’s total to win.
Q3. What happens if all wickets fall before the overs finish?
The innings ends immediately, even if overs remain.
Q4. Do extras count in a batsman’s score?
No. Extras add to the team total but not to the individual batsman’s runs.
Q5. What is a good run rate in cricket?
- Test: 3-4 runs per over
- ODI: 5-6 runs per over
- T20: 7-9+ runs per over
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