📜 Cricket Rules
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Cricket rules govern how the game is played between two teams of 11 players. One team bats to score runs while the other team bowls and fields to try and dismiss the batters.
🏁 Starting the Game
• the match begins with a coin toss
• the winning team chooses to bat or bowl first
• play starts with the bowler delivering the ball
🏏 Batting Rules
• two batters are on the field at a time
• batters score runs by hitting the ball
• they run between the wickets to score
• batters must protect their stumps
🎯 Bowling Rules
• bowlers deliver the ball towards the stumps
• must bowl with a straight arm
• each over consists of 6 legal deliveries
• bowlers aim to get batters out
🧍 Fielding Rules
• fielders try to stop runs
• catch the ball to dismiss batters
• throw the ball to hit the stumps for run outs
❌ Ways to Get Out
Common ways a batter can be dismissed:
• bowled – ball hits the stumps
• caught – fielder catches the ball before it hits the ground
• run out – batter fails to reach crease in time
• lbw (leg before wicket) – ball would have hit stumps but hits the leg
⚠️ Extras and Illegal Deliveries
• no ball – illegal delivery (extra run + free hit in some formats)
• wide ball – ball too far to hit (extra run)
These add runs to the batting team.
🔄 Innings
• each team has a turn to bat and bowl
• this is called an innings
• the number of overs depends on the format
Examples:
• T20 = 20 overs
• ODI = 50 overs
• Test = unlimited overs
🏆 Winning the Match
• the team with the most runs wins
• matches can end in a tie or draw (in some formats)
⚡ Why Rules Matter
Cricket rules ensure:
• fair competition
• structured gameplay
• balance between batting and bowling
Understanding the rules helps players improve strategy and performance.
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