How do you score runs in cricket? What is a ‘four’ and a ‘six’?

One element that remains the same in cricket regardless of the format is how to score runs. 

The team who is chosen to bat first is required to post the highest score possible within the allotted overs before being dismissed by the the fielding team.

It is then the objective of the opposition to attempt to beat that score.

But how are runs scored in a game of cricket? 

How do you score runs in cricket? 

It comes down to the batsman at either end of the pitch to score the runs for their team. 

A run is scored when both batsman successfully run to the other end of the pitch without the fielding team getting a dimissal. The number of runs scored increases the more times the batsman run in between the wickets at both ends of the pitch. 

Batsman can also score runs by hitting or going over the boundary. 

How do you score a boundary? What is a 'four' and a 'six'?

Another way for batsman to score runs is by hitting the ball to the boundary to score either a 'four' or 'six'.

If the ball hits the boundary, this adds four runs to the total score, but if the ball goes over the boundary, that adds six runs to the score. 

What are extras? 

Batting teams can also be awarded extra runs depending on certain events during an innings, these can be found below.

• If the bowler bowls a wide delivery, one run is given to the batting team.
• If the bowler produces an illegal delivery or 'no ball', the batting team is given one or two extra runs. 
• If a batsman is able to complete runs without hitting the ball or if the ball makes it to the boundary without being hit, these are called 'byes'.
• If the ball hits a part of the batsman's body after they make an attempt to hit the ball, the batting team can be awarded a 'leg bye'. 

All of these instances where the batting team can be awarded extra runs is up to the umpire's discretion. 

What are penalty runs? 

Penatly runs are awarded as a result of a team breaking the rules. 

These are usually assesed in the amount of five runs per offence, and punish unfair play or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Penalty runs are awarded to either the batting or fielding team depending on the infraction. 

Common infractions of the rules include wasting time, tampering with the ball, obstructing the batsman or an illegal substitution.