How Runs Are Scored in Cricket: Complete Beginner Guide

How Runs Are Scored in Cricket (Complete Beginner Guide)

Scoring runs is the most important part of cricket. The team that scores more runs than the opposition wins the match. But if you're new to the game, you might wonder — how exactly are runs scored in cricket?

Runs can be scored in several ways: by running between the wickets, hitting boundaries, or even through extra runs awarded due to bowling mistakes.

This guide explains how runs are scored in cricket in simple terms, including all types of scoring methods.

🏏 Basic Concept: What Is a Run?

A run is the basic unit of scoring in cricket. Batters score runs when they:

  • Hit the ball and run between the wickets

  • Hit the ball to the boundary

  • Receive extra runs due to bowling errors

The total number of runs scored determines the team's final score.

🏃 1. Running Between the Wickets

cricket scoreboard showing runs and overs

batsmen running between wickets in cricket match

cricket scoreboard showing runs and overs

cricket scoreboard showing runs and overs

The most common way to score runs is by running between the wickets.

How It Works:

  1. The batter hits the ball.

  2. Both batters run to the opposite end of the pitch.

  3. If both safely reach the other crease, 1 run is scored.

They can run multiple times before the fielding team returns the ball.

Types of Runs:

  • 1 run = Single

  • 2 runs = Double

  • 3 runs = Triple

Quick running and good communication are essential.

🏏 2. Boundary Runs (Four & Six)

cricket ball crossing boundary rope for four

Image

umpire signaling six runs in cricket

cricket scoreboard showing runs and overs

A batter can score runs instantly by hitting boundaries.

🔹 Four (4 Runs)

If the ball touches the ground and then crosses the boundary rope, the batting team scores 4 runs.

🔹 Six (6 Runs)

If the ball crosses the boundary rope without touching the ground, the team scores 6 runs.

Boundaries are the fastest way to increase the score.

➕ 3. Extra Runs in Cricket

Runs can also be awarded without the batter hitting the ball properly. These are called extras.

Types of Extras:

✔ No Ball

If the bowler delivers an illegal ball (overstepping or improper action), the batting team gets:

  • 1 extra run

  • Free hit (in limited-overs cricket)

✔ Wide Ball

If the ball is too far from the batter to hit, 1 extra run is awarded.

✔ Bye

If the ball passes the batter without touching the bat but the batters run, those runs are called byes.

✔ Leg Bye

If the ball touches the batter’s body (not bat) and they run, runs are leg byes.

➡️ Also read: What Is a No Ball in Cricket?

🔄 4. Overthrow Runs

Sometimes fielders throw the ball at the stumps to attempt a run-out, but the throw misses and travels away.

If the ball reaches the boundary due to a misfield or overthrow:

  • The batting team gets additional runs.

  • If it reaches the boundary, 4 extra runs are added.

Overthrows can dramatically change match momentum.

⚖️ 5. Penalty Runs

In rare cases, umpires award 5 penalty runs for serious rule violations such as:

  • Fielding side unfair conduct

  • Ball tampering

  • Obstruction

Penalty runs are added directly to the team’s total.

📊 How Runs Appear on the Scoreboard

A cricket score is displayed like this:

Team A: 150/3 (20 overs)

This means:

  • 150 runs scored

  • 3 wickets lost

  • 20 overs completed

Run rate is calculated as:

Run Rate = Total Runs ÷ Overs Faced

🏏 Runs in Different Formats

🔹 Test Cricket

  • Unlimited overs

  • Focus on building long innings

🔹 ODI Cricket

  • 50 overs per team

  • Balanced scoring pace required

🔹 T20 Cricket

  • 20 overs per team

  • High scoring rate essential

➡️ Read: Test vs ODI vs T20 Explained

🧠 Strategy Behind Scoring Runs

Teams plan scoring carefully:

✔ Rotate Strike

Taking singles keeps scoreboard moving.

✔ Target Weak Bowlers

Score more runs against weaker bowlers.

✔ Accelerate in Powerplay

Field restrictions allow more boundaries.

✔ Finish Strong

Final overs are used to maximize scoring.

➡️ Also read: What Is Powerplay in Cricket?

🏆 Importance of Strike Rotation

Strike rotation prevents pressure from building.

If batters face too many dot balls:

  • Required run rate increases

  • Risky shots increase

  • Wicket chances increase

Smart singles and doubles win matches.

🎯 What Happens If Scores Are Equal?

If both teams score the same runs:

  • In limited-overs cricket → Match tied

  • Super Over may be played

  • In Test cricket → Match declared a tie or draw

📌 Common Mistakes Beginners Make

❌ Thinking only boundaries matter
❌ Ignoring extras
❌ Not understanding leg byes
❌ Confusing run rate with total runs

Understanding all scoring types improves match knowledge.

📝 Quick Summary

✔ Runs are scored by running between wickets.
✔ Boundaries score 4 or 6 runs.
✔ Extras include no balls, wides, byes, and leg byes.
✔ Overthrows add additional runs.
✔ The team with more runs wins.



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