Cricket is a game where every run counts. Whether it’s a nail-biting T20, a strategic ODI, or the long grind of a Test match, understanding how runs are scored in cricket is key for both players and fans. Runs don’t just come from bat and ball; they can also be awarded through extras, penalties, and specific situations defined by the ICC Laws of Cricket.
In 2025, with technology like the Decision Review System (DRS), real-time stats, and fan engagement at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to know how scoring works across different formats. This guide explains everything—from basic runs to penalties—along with ICC Law numbers, real-world case studies, and a format-wise breakdown so you’ll never be confused about how runs are counted.
1. Runs from the Bat (Law 18 – Scoring Runs)
When a batter strikes the ball with the bat or glove holding the bat and safely crosses to the other end, they score runs. A single, double, or triple depends on how many times they run between the wickets.
Case Study: In the 2019 World Cup Final, Ben Stokes accidentally deflected the ball off his bat during a dive. England was awarded 6 runs (2 they were running + 4 overthrows). This moment changed cricket history.
2. Boundary Four and Six (Law 19 – Boundaries)
- A four is scored if the ball touches the ground before crossing the boundary.
- A six is scored if the ball clears the boundary without touching the ground.
Case Study: MS Dhoni’s iconic six in the 2011 World Cup Final is the perfect example of a scoring shot that sealed a historic win.
3. Byes (Law 23 – Byes)
If the batter misses the ball but it isn’t caught by the wicketkeeper, and they run, those runs are scored as byes (not credited to the batter).
Case Study: In the 2001 Test match between India and Australia at Kolkata, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman’s partnership saw multiple byes adding pressure on Australia.
4. Leg Byes (Law 24 – Leg Byes)
If the ball hits the batter’s body (not bat/glove) while they attempt a shot, runs scored are called leg byes.
Case Study: In 2016, during a T20 match, Virat Kohli’s running between the wickets turned even leg byes into scoring opportunities, frustrating bowlers.
5. No-Ball Runs (Law 21 – No-Ball)
If a bowler oversteps or bowls illegally, one run is added to the batting team, and the next delivery is a free hit (except in Tests).
Case Study: In IPL 2019, a controversial no-ball not given against Lasith Malinga in the final over between MI and RCB changed the match result and sparked debate.
6. Wide Ball Runs (Law 22 – Wide Ball)
Any delivery out of reach of the batter is a wide, giving one run to the batting team. Extra runs can also be scored if the batters run on a wide.
Case Study: During the 2016 T20 World Cup Final, Ben Stokes bowled a crucial wide under pressure, allowing West Indies to inch closer to victory.
7. Penalty Runs (Law 28 – Penalty Runs)
Umpires can award 5 penalty runs to the batting or bowling side for rule breaches (e.g., unfair fielding, ball tampering, player misconduct).
Case Study: In 2005, England was awarded 5 penalty runs against Pakistan due to ball tampering accusations.
Penalty Runs in Cricket (Law 41 & 42)
This is where cricket gets fascinating. Penalty runs are awarded to either the batting or fielding side for rule breaches. Let’s break them down in detail:
| Situation | Law No. | Runs Awarded To | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball hitting a helmet placed on the ground | Law 28.3 | Batting team +5 | If the ball strikes a helmet not being worn by the keeper. |
| Fielder or wicketkeeper unfair movement before delivery | Law 41.4 | Batting team +5 | Any deliberate distraction. |
| Ball handled illegally by fielder (using cap, clothing, etc.) | Law 28.2 | Batting team +5 | If a fielder uses clothing or equipment to field. |
| Unfair damage to pitch by fielding side | Law 41.14 | Batting team +5 | If repeated after a warning. |
| Time-wasting by fielding side | Law 41.9 | Batting team +5 | If deliberate. |
| Batter deliberately runs short repeatedly | Law 18.5 | Fielding side +5 | If umpires judge intent to cheat. |
| Ball tampering | Law 41.3 | Batting team +5 | Altering condition of the ball illegally. |
| Dangerous throw at batter after ball is dead | Law 41.6 | Batting team +5 | Umpire discretion. |
| Player returning without umpire’s permission | Law 24.4 | Opposite team +5 | For illegal return of player. |
| Wicketkeeper infringement (e.g., moving in front of stumps) | Law 27.3 | Batting team +5 | Keeper breaking laws before ball delivered. |
Case Studies of Penalty Runs
- Helmet Penalty (2017 Ashes):
During the Ashes, England conceded 5 penalty runs when the ball hit the wicketkeeper’s helmet placed behind him. - Ball Tampering (2018 Cape Town Test):
Australia’s Cameron Bancroft was caught tampering with the ball. South Africa was awarded 5 penalty runs, shifting momentum in their favor. - Short Runs (U19 World Cup 2020):
In an India U19 match, a batter was warned for running short. Had it been repeated deliberately, the fielding team would have been awarded 5 runs. - Time-Wasting:
In domestic cricket, several teams have been penalized for slow over rates, leading to 5 penalty runs being awarded to the batting side.
8. Runs for Hit Wicket / Overthrows (Law 18 & 19)
If a throw goes past the fielder and crosses the boundary, the batting side gets the runs scored + the boundary.
Case Study: In 2019 World Cup Final, England’s overthrow scenario (Stokes incident) became the most famous example of overthrows deciding a world title.
Runs in Different Formats
| Format | Scoring Highlights | Unique Rules |
|---|---|---|
| T20 | Quick singles, boundaries, extras crucial | Free-hit after no-ball, aggressive running |
| ODI | Mix of rotation + boundaries | Powerplays influence scoring patterns |
| Test | Patience, running, fewer boundaries | No free-hit rule, scoring is steady |
Case Study Summary
- Ben Stokes 2019 WC Final → Overthrows + law interpretation changed the match.
- Dhoni 2011 WC Final → Six to finish the game, iconic boundary scoring.
- England vs Pakistan 2005 → Penalty runs awarded due to tampering issue.
- Virat Kohli 2016 T20s → Leg byes converted into smart running opportunities.
Conclusion
So, how are runs scored in cricket? Runs come from the bat, boundaries, extras (byes, leg byes, wides, no-balls), overthrows, and even penalty runs. Each of these is defined clearly in the ICC Laws of Cricket (Laws 18–28).
The thrill of cricket lies in every run, whether it’s a cheeky single in a tense Test, a last-over six in a T20, or a steady rotation in ODIs. By understanding these laws and real-life cases, you can appreciate why cricket is more than just a game—it’s a battle where every run can change history.
