The game is played on normal cricket grounds with traditional one-day rules, with some exceptions. There are still plenty of minor rules variations, but listed here are the rules that were used for the first international game of 20/20 played in Australia, between Australia A and Pakistan on Jan 13th 2005 at the Adelaide Oval. The rules have evolved over the years as more and more games are played.
T20 Cricket Rules
These are general rules for T20 cricket. The rules have changed since playing this format first began, and changes will continue as the format develops.
- There are twenty overs only per side.
- Each bowler is restricted to a maximum of four overs.
- Fielding restrictions in the first six overs – two fielders outside circle with a minimum of two stationary fielders.
- Fielding restrictions for overs 7-20 – maximum five fielders allowed outside of the circle.
- A ‘no-ball’ is worth 2 runs, and the batsman gets a free hit after a no-ball.
- Each side has just 80 minutes to get through their 20 overs. There is 15 minutes between innings.
- There are run penalties for each over which hasn’t been bowled in the allocated time.
- The next batsman has 90 seconds after the fall of a wicket to get to the crease.
Some specific rules of a T20 cricket match
T20 cricket matches are played on normal cricket fields with traditional one-day rules, with some exclusions. The rules and regulations have grown over the years as more and more games are played. The basic rules are exact As for the longer version but innings are limited to 20 over a side. These are some general rules for T20 cricket matches.
Bowling Restrictions in T20
A team must use a minimum of five bowlers in each innings. Every one of the bowlers used has a maximum allocation of four overs. It is possible for the fielding captain to use as many bowlers as they wish but that four-over limit will apply in each case.
Powerplay in T20
Rules regarding the powerplay may vary depending on which tournament is involved. In most cases, there is a six-over powerplay at the start of the innings where fielding restrictions are in place.
In certain competitions, most notably Australia’s Big Bash, there is a four-over powerplay at the start, followed by a two-over ‘surge’ at a later point in the innings.
90-second Rule
Once a wicket has fallen, the new batsman must be ready to face their next delivery within the next 90 seconds. If they are not, the fielding side has the right to appeal and the new batter can be dismissed under the ‘Timed Out’ law.
Bowl-Out
A bowl out has long been used as a way of deciding a result in a match which has been ruined by the weather. If no result is possible, each team may line up five bowlers and their task is to bowl at a single stump.
No batsmen will stand in their way and the team who hits the stumps on most occasions will win the match.
Super Over
A Super Over is used in the event of the scores being tied at the end of a T20 match. Both teams now get one over to score more runs than the opposition. Only one bowler can be used and each batting side can use up a maximum of two wickets.
Time Limit
The onus is on the bowling team to complete their 20 overs inside the 75-minute time limit. One hour and 15 minutes means that the sides have an average of three minutes and 45 seconds with which to complete each over.
The limit is in place to help the game run smoothly and swiftly. If the bowling side is not in position to deliver their final over within the allotted time, a six-run penalty will be awarded to the batting team.
Free Hit Rule in T20
The free hit rule applies following an illegal no ball delivery from the bowling side. The law mirrors that of other limited overs formats in the sense that a free hit will follow the no ball.
Five Run Penalty
Penalty runs is a general law in cricket but we tend to see it in T20 more than in other forms of the game. Fake fielding and deliberately fielding the ball with a cap or item of clothing can also result in penalty runs being awarded.
The Final Word
T20 has been the most amazing and exciting cricket format and you can learn more about it like fixtures and so on by using our tips. If you are willing to learn more you should stay tuned for more information.
