How do points and net run rate work in a tournament?
I · Intermediate · How does a match work, and how is it won? · 15 of 19In ICC league stages, a win earns two points, a tie or no result one, a loss none. Sides level on points are split by most wins, then by wins against each other, then by net run rate (NRR). NRR is your run rate for the tournament minus the run rate scored against you.
How it works
- Run rate: total runs divided by total overs faced, across the tournament.
- NRR: your run rate minus your opponents' run rate against you.
- A side all out early is counted as having used its full overs, not the overs it lasted.
- No-result matches do not count towards NRR.
- In matches decided by DLS, the side batting first is credited with a target-related score for the same overs as the chasing side faced, so the two innings compare fairly.
Tricky cases
Why does being bowled out hurt NRR so much?
Because the full quota of overs is used in the calculation. All out for 150 in 30 overs of a 50-over match counts as 150 in 50.
Does a no result affect NRR?
No. Only matches with a result count.
Is NRR the first tie-break?
No. In ICC league stages, most wins comes first, then wins between the sides level, then NRR.
Why the rule exists
It ranks sides with equal points by how strongly they won and how narrowly they lost.
Where it differs
The points system above is the default for ICC-approved league competitions with more than two teams (PC-O 16.10). Individual tournaments can set their own. The Laws do not cover points.
From the rule book
ICC men's ODI playing conditions, clause 16.10, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ICC playing conditions (PDF).