The object of any cricket match is to score more runs than the opposition. They are the equivalent of goals in football or points in a basketball match. The score in a cricket match is determined by ‘runs’. Finally, runs can be allocated as penalties via a range of law infringements. ‘Extras’ can be separated into two sections – fielding extras and bowling extras. In any game of cricket, it’s likely that the fielding team will have made a small contribution to the batting team’s total. Ultimately, every run that a batsman scores will also be added to the team total which defines who wins or loses the match.Īdditionally, runs can be awarded to the batting team via actions made by the bowling side: Their individual aim is to add runs to their score and, hopefully, to make centuries which will advance their career. In any cricket match, the majority of runs will be scored if the batsman hits the ball. Having considered the question how does scoring work in cricket, we need to separate the way in which runs can be allocated.

Taking wickets will help to keep the total down but teams need runs in order to win any match, either in test cricket or either of the established limited overs formats.īut how does cricket scoring work? This guide will explain all of the ways in which runs can be allocated and this includes runs from the bat, extras and penalties. The basic aim in all forms of cricket is to score more runs than the opposition.

Cricket scoring symbols sheet