
One Day International (ODI) is a format of cricket played between two teams with international status. ODIs are a shorter version of cricket, with a fixed number of 50 overs, and the game usually lasting up to 7 hours. The number of overs in ODI used to vary between 40 and 60, but since the mid-1990s, it has been uniformly fixed at 50 overs. Each bowler is restricted to bowling a maximum of 10 overs, and each team bats for a single inning. If both teams have scored an equal number of runs when the second team loses all its wickets or exhausts all its overs, the game is declared a tie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of overs | 50 |
| Number of players per team | 11 |
| Number of innings | 1 |
| Maximum overs per bowler | 10 |
| Minimum number of bowlers per team | 5 |
| Number of balls used | 2 |
| Duration | Up to 7 hours |
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What You'll Learn

Each bowler is restricted to a maximum of 10 overs
One Day International (ODI) is a format of cricket where each team faces a fixed number of fifty overs, with each bowler restricted to a maximum of ten overs. The game usually lasts up to seven hours and is played between two teams with international status. The ODI format was first played in 1971 between Australia and England and has since become the format for the Cricket World Cup, which is generally held once every four years.
The ODI format is a shorter version of traditional cricket, designed to make the game more accessible to new fans. Each team has eleven players, and the winning captain at the toss decides whether their team will bat or bowl first. The team that bats first is allotted fifty overs to set a target score, but the innings can end early if the bowling team gets ten batsmen out before the overs run out.
The bowling restrictions in ODI cricket are designed to prevent teams from setting wholly defensive fields. Each bowler is limited to a maximum of ten overs, which means teams typically have five competent bowlers in their lineup. This restriction on overs also means that teams need to have a range of bowling options, as no single bowler can be relied upon to bowl a large number of overs. This encourages teams to have a balanced lineup with a mix of batting and bowling strengths.
The restriction of ten overs per bowler also has strategic implications for the team captain. The captain must carefully manage their bowling resources, deciding when to introduce different bowlers and how to use their bowling options effectively within the limited overs. This adds a layer of strategy to the game, as captains must make timely bowling changes and adapt their tactics based on the performance of their bowlers.
In summary, the rule restricting bowlers to a maximum of ten overs in ODI cricket has several important effects. It encourages teams to have a well-rounded lineup with competent bowling options, promotes strategic decision-making by the captain, and helps maintain a balance between batting and bowling strengths in the game. These factors contribute to the unique character of ODI cricket, making it a popular and exciting format for both players and spectators.
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The game can last up to 7 hours
One Day International (ODI) is a format of cricket played between two teams with international status. The game typically lasts up to seven hours, during which each team faces a fixed number of fifty overs. The duration of an ODI match can vary depending on various factors, such as weather conditions or the performance of the teams.
In an ODI match, both teams have 11 players each, and the winning captain at the toss decides whether their team will bat or bowl first. The team that bats first is given 50 overs to set a target score. The innings for the first team can end early if all their batsmen are out before the completion of their 50 overs. The performance of the first team sets the target for the second team to chase.
The second team's innings also consists of 50 overs, and they can win the game by achieving the target score within their 50 overs without losing all their batsmen. On the other hand, the bowling team can win by getting all the batsmen of the second team out or by not allowing them to reach the target within the allotted overs.
The rules in ODI cricket are designed to ensure a balance between batting and bowling sides. Each bowler in the batting side is restricted to a maximum of 10 overs, encouraging teams to have competent bowlers. Additionally, there are fielding restrictions, known as powerplays, to prevent teams from setting wholly defensive fields. These rules contribute to the strategic aspects of the game and the overall playing time, which can reach up to seven hours.
The duration of an ODI match, lasting up to seven hours, is a result of the format's intention to provide a shorter version of traditional cricket. The restricted playing time makes the game more accessible and easier to follow for new fans while still retaining the essential characteristics of the sport.
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The number of overs per game has varied historically
The number of overs per game has indeed varied throughout the history of ODI cricket. The format was devised in the late 20th century to make the game more accessible to new fans, with a key feature being a restricted number of overs to reduce playing time. In the early days of ODI cricket, the number of overs was not fixed and could vary from 40 to 60 overs per side, or 35 to 40 eight-ball overs.
The first ODI was played between Australia and England in 1971, with each side playing 40 eight-ball overs. This was a one-off match, organised after the first three days of a test match were washed out. Since the mid-1990s, however, the number of overs has been uniformly fixed at 50 per side.
Each bowler in the batting side is restricted to a maximum of 10 overs each, meaning that teams need to have at least five competent bowlers. The team batting first sets a target score within their 50 overs, and the game can end early if the fielding team gets 10 batsmen out within these overs. The second team then has to try and beat this score within their 50 overs without losing all their batsmen.
If the number of overs is reduced, for example due to bad weather, the total number of overs may be lowered, and the target score adjusted using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
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The ball may need to be replaced during a game
In One Day International (ODI) cricket, each team faces a fixed number of fifty overs, with the game lasting up to 7 hours. The ODI format is considered the highest standard of List A, limited-overs competition.
The ball may need to be replaced during an ODI game due to several factors, mainly to ensure it remains playable and visible for batters. This is especially important in ODI cricket, where a white ball is used instead of the traditional red ball. The white ball can become discoloured and hard to see as the innings progresses.
Historically, the decision to replace the ball was left to the umpire's discretion, often occurring around the 30th to 35th over. In 2007, the International Cricket Council (ICC) sanctioned that after the 34th over, the ball would be replaced with a cleaned, previously used ball. This rule was in place until 2011.
Since then, the ICC has implemented a two-ball playing condition, using two new balls (one from each end), with each ball used for only 25 overs. After the 34th over, the fielding side can choose which ball to continue with, and the unused ball becomes the spare. This strategy was also used in the 1992 and 1996 World Cups.
The use of two new balls aims to address issues with the ball's visibility and provide a more consistent playing experience. However, some have argued for a return to a single ball, as using two balls can impact the balance between bat and ball, and the behaviour of a semi-new ball can be unpredictable.
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The team with 11 players that bats first sets the target score
One Day International (ODI) is a format of cricket played between two teams with international status. Each team has 11 players and faces a fixed number of fifty overs, with the game lasting up to 7 hours. The ODI format is considered a shorter version of the game, with restricted playing time, making it more accessible to new fans.
The team that wins the toss decides whether to bat or bowl first. The team with 11 players that bats first sets the target score for the opposition to chase. This is a crucial strategic decision as batting first allows the team to set a challenging target, while bowling first gives them an opportunity to restrict the opposition and potentially make the target more manageable.
The team batting first has 50 overs to set their target score. The innings can end early if the bowling side manages to get 10 batsmen out, also known as taking 10 wickets, within the 50 overs. Each bowler is restricted to bowling a maximum of 10 overs, which means teams usually have five competent bowlers in their lineup.
The team batting first aims to score as many runs as possible within their allotted overs or before losing their wickets. The innings lasts until the batting side has lost 10 wickets or completed their 50 overs. The target score they set becomes the benchmark for the second team to chase.
The team batting second tries to surpass the target score within their 50 overs without losing all their batsmen. The bowling team aims to prevent this by taking 10 wickets or not allowing the opposition to reach the target within the allotted overs. The winner is determined in the second innings, with the possibility of a tie if both teams score the same number of runs after their respective 50 overs.
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Frequently asked questions
Each team plays 50 overs.
An ODI game lasts up to 7 hours.
Yes, the number of overs can be lower than 50 but not higher. In the early days of ODI cricket, the number of overs varied from 40 to 60.
The restricted number of overs in an ODI is what distinguishes it from other formats of cricket and helps reduce playing time.

























