How does scoring work in cricket?
Runs and boundaries
A batter scores runs by hitting the ball and running to the other end of the pitch. Each completed run counts as one. If the ball reaches the boundary after bouncing, it scores four runs, and six runs if it clears the boundary without bouncing first.
Extras, such as byes, leg byes, wides, and no-balls, also add runs to the batting team's total. These come from fielding or bowling mistakes and are recorded separately on the scorecard.
- One run per completed run between the wickets
- Four runs for a ball that reaches the boundary after bouncing
- Six runs for a ball that clears the boundary without bouncing
- Wides and no-balls add a penalty run and do not count as a legal delivery
Wickets and innings
A batting side is all out after ten wickets fall, or when its overs run out in limited-overs cricket. A batter can be dismissed in several ways, including being bowled, caught, or stumped. Dismissals are recorded on the scorecard along with the bowler's figures.
In limited-overs formats such as T20, each team bats for a set number of overs, usually 20. The team with more runs at the end wins, and rules for ties and no-result matches vary by competition.
Winning and results
In Test cricket, each side may bat twice and the match can end in a draw. Targets, tie rules, and the method used to adjust targets after rain can differ between competitions, so check the rules for the specific event.
Common mistakes
- Counting a boundary as a single run instead of four or six.
- Assuming every cricket format follows the same winning rules.
- Forgetting that extras go into the batting side's total.
