Match Formats

Test cricket: 5 days, unlimited overs, 2 innings per team, red ball, white clothing. ODI (One Day): 1 day, 50 overs per team, 1 innings each, white ball, colored clothing. T20: ~3 hours, 20 overs per team, 1 innings each, white ball, colored clothing. Tests are considered the purest form, while T20 is the most fast-paced and entertaining.

The Hundred is a format created by the ECB where each team faces 100 balls instead of overs. Bowlers bowl 5 consecutive balls (not 6). The team batting first sets a target, and the chasing team tries to surpass it in their 100 balls. It was designed to attract new audiences with simplified rules and shorter duration.

A Test match is scheduled for 5 days, with approximately 90 overs (6 hours of play) per day. However, matches can end earlier if one team wins. If the match is not completed in 5 days and neither team has won, it ends in a draw. Day-night Tests use pink balls and have adjusted timings.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) uses T20 format with 20 overs per side. The league phase has 10 teams playing each other, followed by playoffs. Teams are franchises that buy players through auctions. It is the most valuable cricket league and has transformed cricket globally.

The ICC Cricket World Cup (ODI) features qualifying nations in a tournament. Recent formats have included: (1) Group stage where all teams play each other, (2) Top teams advance to knockouts (semi-finals, final). The T20 World Cup has a similar format with more teams and shorter matches.