How does a cricket match work?
Two teams take turns batting and bowling. The batting team tries to score runs while the bowling and fielding team tries to dismiss batters and limit scoring. An innings ends according to the playing format and its rules.
Overs and deliveries
One over is six legal balls from a bowler. Wides and no-balls generally add runs and require an additional delivery. Bowlers alternate ends from over to over.
How runs are scored
Batters can run between the wickets. A boundary is normally worth four runs if the ball touches the ground before reaching or crossing the boundary, and six runs if it clears the boundary without touching the ground.
What counts as a wicket?
Common dismissals include bowled, caught, run out, stumped and leg before wicket (LBW). Each has conditions defined in the laws of cricket.
How a wicket falls
A batter can be out in several ways, including bowled, caught, run out, stumped and leg before wicket (LBW). Each dismissal has particular conditions under the Laws of Cricket.
What happens when the ball crosses the boundary
Four runs are generally awarded when a ball reaches the boundary after touching the ground; six when it crosses without bouncing within the field, subject to the Laws.
Why teamwork matters
Batters communicate while running; wicketkeepers coordinate fielders; captains plan bowling changes. Cricket combines individual skill with shared decisions.
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