How is a cricket match won, tied, drawn or left with no result?
B · Beginner · How does a match work, and how is it won? · 12 of 14A side wins by scoring more runs than the other side's total. The batting side wins "by wickets" (how many were still to fall); the fielding side wins "by runs" (the margin). A tie is when all innings are complete and the scores are level. A draw, in Tests only, is when time runs out first. A no result is a limited-overs match where too little play was possible.
How it works
- The match ends the moment a result is reached. Nothing afterwards counts, except penalty runs.
- If the winning runs come from a boundary, the whole boundary counts, even if fewer runs were needed.
- Runs taken before a catch is completed do not count towards the winning total.
- A side that refuses to play, or concedes, loses: the result is "match conceded" or "match awarded".
- In ODIs and T20 internationals, a tie goes to a super over.
- No result: in ODIs, unless both sides had the chance to bat at least 20 overs; in T20 internationals, at least 5, unless a side is all out sooner or the chasing side wins sooner.
Tricky cases
What is the difference between a tie and a draw?
A tie is a finished match with equal scores. A draw is an unfinished Test.
Does a six count in full if only one run was needed?
Yes. The whole boundary is added to the total and to the batter's score.
Can a team win by penalty runs?
Yes. If 5 penalty runs take the side batting last past the target after its innings is over, it wins "by penalty runs".
Can the result change after the players leave the field?
Only if a scoring mistake is found before the umpires agree the scores with the scorers. Once agreed, the result cannot change.
Why the rule exists
Cricket's results follow what the format makes possible: a Test needs all wickets or a draw; a limited-overs match always has a total to compare.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Laws | Win, tie or draw; for limited-overs matches, as agreed before the match | L16.1 to 16.5, 13.1.2 |
| ICC men's Tests | Win, tie or draw | PC-T 16.1, 16.3 |
| ICC men's ODIs | Win, super over for a tie, no result under 20 overs a side | PC-O 16.1, 16.3 |
| ICC men's T20 internationals | Win, super over for a tie, no result under 5 overs a side | PC-I 16.1, 16.3 |
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 16.1 to 16.10, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. ICC men's playing conditions, clause 16, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF); ICC playing conditions (PDF).