With the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup taking over the Caribbean this summer, the exciting spectacle of cricket’s newest format is about to be on grand display. If you’re new to the game, the fast-paced action of Twenty20 cricket can definitely take some getting used to. But don’t worry, this Cricket 101 primer will have you feeling like an expert T20 fan in no time!
- The Basics – A T20 game features two teams of 11 players competing over a maximum of 20 overs per innings. An “over” is made up of six legal deliveries (pitches) from the bowler. So each team gets a total of 120 deliveries to score as many runs as possible while batting.
- Batting & Scoring Runs – The batting team sends two players to the wicket at a time, with one at each end or “crease.” The aim is to score runs by hitting the ball and running between the two creases, while the bowling team tries to get them out. Boundaries – hitting the ball over the rope on the full – earn 4 runs, while clearing the rope completely is an explosive 6 runs.
- Getting Batters Out – The fielding/bowling side gets a batter out using various methods like bowling them, having them catch hit balls, hitting the wicket with the ball, or running them out. Once 10 batters are dismissed, that team’s innings is over.
Bowling & Field Positions
Each bowler can only deliver a maximum of 4 overs per innings. The fielding captain deploys players in strategic positions around the oval to prevent runs and get batters out. Key positions are the wicketkeeper (behind the wickets), slips (behind the wicket on the offside), and various “inner circle” fielders.
The Result
The team scoring the most runs by the end of their 20 overs (or by dismissing the opposing team) is the winner. Matches can also end in a tie, leading to a tiebreaker “super over.”
T20 is all about hard-hitting batters, clever bowling tactics, non-stop action and an electric atmosphere. Short on time but high on drama, it’s the perfect package for attracting new fans to experience the incredible spectacle of world-class cricket!
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or newly intrigued by the T20 action, the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean is the perfect chance to take in the thrills of international cricket at its finest.
Study up on the basics above, then get ready to join the biggest annual celebration of cricket and Caribbean culture!