India Women’s Probable XI vs England T20 – Full Preview, Squad & Updates
T20 cricket is fast, exciting, and one of the most popular formats in the world today. If you’re a new fan, the pace and unique rules can feel confusing at first. But don’t worry! We’re breaking down 10 easy T20 cricket rules every beginner should know — so you can watch your next match with confidence.
Whether you’re cheering for India, England, Australia, or your local team in a domestic league, these simple explanations will help you understand how the game works, what the key rules are, and why millions of fans love T20.
So grab your jersey, sit back, and let’s get started!
Each Side Has 20 Overs
The ‘20’ in T20 stands for 20 overs. Each team gets to bat for a maximum of 20 overs — and each over contains six legal deliveries (balls). So, every batting side has 120 balls to score as many runs as possible.
Compared to Test cricket (which can last five days) or even One Day Internationals (50 overs per side), T20 matches are designed to be short, energetic, and completed within three hours.
Only One Innings Per Team
Unlike Test matches where teams bat twice, in T20 cricket, each team bats only once. This single innings makes the game fast-paced and means there’s no second chance. Once 20 overs are finished — or the team is all out — the innings ends.
The team with the most runs after both innings wins!
Powerplay Overs
The first six overs of each innings are known as the Powerplay. During the Powerplay, only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This rule encourages aggressive batting, big shots, and plenty of boundaries early in the game.
After the Powerplay, the fielding team can place up to five fielders outside the circle, which helps restrict runs.
How Teams Score Runs
Runs are scored when batsmen run between the wickets or when the ball reaches the boundary rope.
- If the ball crosses the boundary after touching the ground — 4 runs.
- If the ball clears the boundary on the full — 6 runs (a six!).
Extras like no-balls and wides also add runs to the total.
Wickets and Dismissals
Each team has 11 players but only 10 wickets — once 10 batsmen are out, the innings ends (even if overs are left).
Batsmen can be dismissed in various ways:
- Bowled (stumps hit)
- Caught (fielder catches ball before it touches ground)
- Run out
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
- Stumped by the wicketkeeper
Getting quick wickets is crucial in T20, as it stops the batting side from scoring big runs.
Free Hit After No-Ball
One special T20 rule is the Free Hit. If the bowler bowls a front-foot no-ball (overstepping the crease), the batting side gets a Free Hit on the next delivery.
During a Free Hit, the batsman cannot be dismissed by normal methods except for run-out. This gives batsmen a huge chance to hit big shots safely.
Over Rate Rules
T20 matches must be fast. Teams have to complete their 20 overs within a certain time frame (usually 90 minutes per innings). If they bowl too slowly, they can be penalized — captains might be fined, or the side could face fielding restrictions.
This ensures the match stays exciting and finishes on time.
Super Over for a Tie
If both teams score exactly the same number of runs, the match doesn’t end in a draw — instead, there’s a Super Over.
Each team gets one extra over (6 balls) to score as many runs as possible. If there’s still a tie, sometimes another Super Over is played until a winner is decided. This rule keeps fans on the edge of their seats!
Substitutes and Fielding Restrictions
T20 cricket allows substitutes for fielding injuries but not for batting or bowling. Recently, some leagues like the IPL have introduced ‘Impact Players’ or tactical substitutions, but traditional ICC rules allow only fielding substitutes.
Also, bowlers can bowl a maximum of 4 overs each (20 overs divided by 5 bowlers). This rule stops one superstar bowler from bowling the entire innings!
DRS and Third Umpire
Modern T20 matches often use DRS (Decision Review System). Teams can challenge on-field umpire decisions for LBWs or edges. A TV umpire (Third Umpire) checks replays to confirm.
This technology makes decisions fairer and adds extra drama when close calls are made.
Why These Rules Make T20 Cricket So Popular
T20 cricket is short, packed with boundaries, and delivers thrilling moments in just a few hours. These rules — Powerplays, Free Hits, Super Overs — make the game unpredictable and action-packed. It’s easy for new fans to follow and perfect for family viewing, stadium fun, and fantasy leagues.
Tips for New T20 Fans
✅ Pick a team or league to follow — IPL, BBL, PSL, CPL, or internationals.
✅ Learn key player roles: batsmen, bowlers, all-rounders, wicketkeepers.
✅ Keep an eye on Powerplays and death overs (last 4–5 overs, when big shots happen).
✅ Check scoreboards for runs, wickets, overs remaining.
✅ Try fantasy cricket for more fun!
Conclusion
Now you know the 10 easy T20 cricket rules every new fan should understand. Next time you tune in, you’ll follow every over, wicket, and six like a pro. So grab your snacks, call your friends, and enjoy the game — because in T20 cricket, anything can happen!
