Cricket is played in three main formats — T20, ODI, and Test — each with its own rules, pace, and character. Understanding the differences helps you appreciate every match at a completely different level.
| Feature | T20 | ODI | Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overs per team | 20 | 50 | Unlimited |
| Innings per team | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Duration | ~3 hours | ~8 hours | Up to 5 days |
| Typical winning score | 160-200 | 280-320 | 350-500 per innings |
| Powerplay overs | 6 | 10 | None |
| Fielding restrictions | Yes | Yes | None |
| Whites worn? | No (coloured) | No (coloured) | Yes (all white) |
| Ball colour | Pink or orange | White | Red |
| Draw possible? | No | No (mostly) | Yes |
If you are new to cricket, T20 is the perfect starting point. Every match finishes in about 3 hours, the scoring is constant and exciting, and there is always something dramatic happening. The IPL in particular is one of the most entertaining sporting events in the world — even casual fans find it impossible to stop watching.
Once you understand T20, ODIs naturally make sense — the same basic rules but more overs and more emphasis on building an innings. The ODI World Cup every four years is cricket's biggest event and India's performances in it are followed by hundreds of millions of people.
Test cricket requires more patience to appreciate, but once you understand the tactical battles between bat and ball over five days, many cricket fans consider it the most rewarding format to follow. There is nothing in sport quite like watching a Test match unfold over multiple days, with momentum swinging back and forth between the teams.
T20, ODI, Test — all formats tracked live, completely free.
See Live Matches →