Before the first delivery
Captains attend the toss. The winner chooses whether to bat or bowl. The match officials supervise playing conditions and the scheduled start.
During the innings
The batting side collects runs while the fielding side seeks dismissals and controls the scoring rate. A change of over usually brings a new bowler from the opposite end.
Powerplays and restrictions
Limited-overs matches use phases with restrictions on where fielders may stand. These phases can strongly influence scoring patterns and bowling choices.
The innings break
In limited-overs cricket, teams normally switch roles after a break. The second side often knows the target needed to win.
Close finishes and results
A chasing side wins by passing the target within its available resources. Other outcomes such as ties, draws or no results depend on format, weather and competition rules.
This is a general educational guide. Official match playing conditions may differ between competitions.
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