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.
Arjun Mehta is a dedicated cricket rules analyst with strong expertise in ODI, T20, and Test match regulations. He focuses on explaining powerplay rules, fielding restrictions, bowling limits, and modern ICC updates in simple language. Arjun’s content helps fans clearly understand match decisions and on-field situations without confusion.