Limited overs cricket

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Limited overs cricket is a version of the sport of cricket in which a match is generally completed in a single day. The format is designed to produce a result within a limited time frame, making it more appealing to spectators and broadcasters. Limited overs cricket is distinct from first-class cricket, which can last up to five days.

Formats[edit | edit source]

Limited overs cricket is played in several formats, the most common being One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20) cricket.

One Day International (ODI)[edit | edit source]

One Day International matches are played between international teams and consist of 50 overs per side. The first ODI was played in 1971 between Australia and England.

Twenty20 (T20)[edit | edit source]

Twenty20 cricket, often abbreviated to T20, is a shorter format where each team plays a single innings of 20 overs. The format was introduced in 2003 by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and has gained immense popularity due to its fast-paced nature.

Rules[edit | edit source]

The rules of limited overs cricket are governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Key rules include:

Each team bats for a set number of overs (50 in ODIs, 20 in T20s).
The team with the most runs at the end of their innings wins.
In the event of a tie, various methods such as the Super Over may be used to determine the winner.

History[edit | edit source]

Limited overs cricket was introduced to provide a more spectator-friendly version of the game. The first limited overs competition was the Gillette Cup in England in 1963. The format quickly gained popularity, leading to the first ODI in 1971 and the first Cricket World Cup in 1975.

Major Tournaments[edit | edit source]

Several major tournaments are played in the limited overs format, including:

Impact[edit | edit source]

Limited overs cricket has had a significant impact on the sport, leading to innovations in batting, bowling, and fielding techniques. It has also increased the global popularity of cricket, attracting new audiences and generating substantial revenue through broadcasting rights and sponsorships.