GuideOct 26, 20264 min read
How to Follow Live Cricket Scores Like a Pro
A live score tells you who is ahead. Reading it properly tells you who is about to win. Here is what to watch in the first minute of any match.
Start with the three numbers
Look at runs, wickets and overs together. 90/1 after 10 overs is a very different position from 90/4 after 10 overs, even though the runs are the same. Wickets in hand are the fuel for the final overs.
Compare run rate with required rate
In a chase, the current run rate is runs so far divided by overs faced. The required rate is runs still needed divided by overs left. When the current rate is above the required rate the chasing side is ahead of the game. The chase meter on every Crease match page draws exactly this.
Check the partnership
Two settled batters can change a match in ten overs. A partnership of 60 or more with wickets in hand usually means the batting side is in control.
Know the phase of the game
T20 is split into the powerplay (overs 1 to 6), the middle overs and the death overs (17 to 20). ODIs have three phases too. Scoring rates rise at the end, so a modest score halfway can still become a big total.
Use the key moments feed
Milestones, drinks breaks and the fall of wickets tell the story faster than scrolling a scorecard. On each Crease match page the latest moment appears at the top.
Quick answers
What is a good run rate in T20?
Around 8 to 9 runs per over is a solid total pace, and 10 or more is aggressive.
What does required run rate mean?
The average runs per over the chasing team must score from now to win.