A cricket scorecard tells the full story of a match, but at first glance it can look like a wall of numbers. Once you know what each column means, you can understand any game in seconds.
The batting card
Each batter has a row with these columns:
- R – runs scored
- B – balls faced
- 4s / 6s – boundaries hit
- SR – strike rate, runs scored per 100 balls
Next to the name you will see how the batter got out, for example c Sharma b Kumar (caught by Sharma, bowled by Kumar) or lbw b Singh. A batter still at the crease is marked not out.
Extras
Runs not scored off the bat are listed as extras: wides (w), no-balls (nb), byes (b) and leg byes (lb). In close matches, a high number of extras can decide the result.
The total
The innings total is usually written as runs/wickets, for example 256/7 (50 overs). In Australia the order is sometimes reversed (7/256), so check which number is which.
Fall of wickets
The fall of wickets line shows the score when each wicket fell, such as 1-24, 2-31, 3-118. It helps you see partnerships: in this example, the third-wicket pair added 87 runs.
The bowling card
- O – overs bowled
- M – maidens (overs with no runs conceded)
- R – runs conceded
- W – wickets taken
- Econ – economy rate, runs conceded per over
Bowling figures are written as wickets for runs, for example 3/42 from 10 overs.
Useful numbers in limited-overs cricket
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Current run rate (CRR) | Runs scored per over so far |
| Required run rate (RRR) | Runs needed per over to win |
| Dot balls | Deliveries with no run scored |
Putting it together
When you open a scorecard, look first at the totals, then the top scorers and best bowlers, and finally the fall of wickets. Within a minute you will know who controlled the match and when it turned.
