When watching a cricket match, do you ever feel confused by the scores displayed on the scoreboard? How is cricket scoring calculated? Cricket has a unique scoring system that differs from other sports. It has its own methods of scoring: Running, Boundary, and extras. We’ll take you through cricket scoring methods in detail.
Cricket Scoring Methods
In cricket, a run is the unit of scoring. Players can score runs through three methods during the match: Running, Boundary, and Extras.
Running Runs
After the batter hits the ball, both batters on the field must run to the opposite ends (the striker’s end and the non-striker’s end), and a part of their body or bat must touch the popping crease at the opposite end for the run to be considered valid.
- Single Run: The two batters run once, scoring 1 run.
- Double Run: The two batters run twice, scoring 2 runs.
- Triple Run: The two batters run three times, scoring 3 runs.
Higher running scores are rare and usually occur due to mistakes made by the fielder, allowing the batters to run more times.
Boundary Runs
- Boundary Four: After the batter hits the ball, if the ball lands inside the field and either rolls or flies over the boundary, 4 runs are scored.
- Boundary Six: After the batter hits the ball, if the ball flies directly over the boundary line without touching the field, 6 runs are scored.
💡 If the batter hits a boundary, they do not need to run.
When the batters begin running after hitting the ball, if the ball crosses the boundary during their running, the score will be the higher of either the boundary score (4 or 6 runs) or the runs completed by the batters. The lower score will not be counted.
Another situation is the “Overthrow”. After the batter hits the ball, if the fielder successfully stops the ball from going over the boundary and attempts to throw it back to the wicketkeeper or bowler, but makes an error or throws it too far, causing the ball to continue rolling and eventually cross the boundary, the batter will receive an additional 4 runs on top of the runs they scored by running. Read More: Paisa Vasool Guide to Cricket Betting Odds for Every Fan
Extras
Extras refer to runs scored due to errors, violations, or other factors caused by the fielding side. These runs do not count toward the batter’s individual score but are added to the team’s total.
- Wide Ball: A ball bowled by the bowler that is outside the batter’s reach, the batting team scores 1 run.
- No Ball: If the bowler or fielder commits a violation, the batting team scores 1 or 2 runs (depending on the match rules).
- Bye: When the batter misses the ball, and the wicketkeeper or fielders fail to stop it, giving the batter a chance to run.
- Leg Bye: When the ball hits the batter’s body and deviates, with the wicketkeeper or fielders unable to stop it, giving the batter a chance to run.
- Penalty Run: If serious infractions occur during the match, the umpire has the authority to award 5 penalty runs.
💡 In these situations, if the ball crosses the boundary, an additional 4 runs will be awarded.
In ODI and T20 formats, a No Ball results in a free hit for the batter. The batter cannot be dismissed by being caught or bowled out.
Wickets
In a cricket match, the batter’s goal is to score as many runs as possible, while the fielding side aims to dismiss the batter by hitting the wickets. Each team has 10 wickets, and every time a wicket is taken, the batting side loses a batter, thus reducing their opportunity to score further. Read More: Authoritative Guide on How to Play Cricket: T20, ODI, and Test – What’s the Difference?
- Common Dismissals:
- Bowled
- Caught
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
- Run Out
- Stumped
- Hit Wicket
- Rare Dismissals:
- Handled the Ball
- Obstructing the Field
- Hit the Ball Twice
- Timed Out
Although wickets do not directly affect the score, they are just as important as runs in determining the outcome of the match. The team’s total score is often shown as ‘runs/wickets‘ or ‘runs – wickets,’ highlighting the importance of wickets.
Understanding how cricket scoring works helps you better grasp the current progress of the match while watching. With this knowledge, you can even predict which team is likely to win while watching the cricket match and even win cash prizes.
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