How is a run scored in cricket?
B · Beginner · How are runs scored? · 1 of 14A run is scored each time the two batters cross and both reach the other end safely, while the ball is in play. Runs also come from boundaries and from penalties. If a batter turns for another run without grounding their bat or body behind the crease line, that run is "short" and does not count.
How it works
- Both batters must make their ground at the end they are running to. "Making good their ground" means some part of the bat or body grounded behind the crease line.
- Runs made off the bat go to the striker. Runs not off the bat are extras: byes, leg byes, wides, no-balls and penalty runs.
- The bowler is charged with the runs off the bat, wides and no-balls. Byes and leg byes are not charged to the bowler.
- A short run by accident: the umpire signals "one short" and that run is not counted. If the ball then goes to the boundary, the short run is ignored.
- A short run on purpose (pretending to run more than they did): no runs count at all, the fielding side gets 5 penalty runs, and the fielding captain chooses which batter faces the next ball.
- Trying to steal a run while the bowler is running in is unfair: the run is cancelled and the fielding side gets 5 penalty runs.
Tricky cases
What does "one short" mean?
One of the runs was not completed: a batter turned without grounding their bat or body behind the line. That run is taken off the total.
Does a short run count if the ball then goes for four?
Yes. If a boundary is scored, an accidental short run is ignored, unless the boundary came from an overthrow.
Can batters run while the bowler is running in?
No. Trying to steal a run during the run-up is unfair. The run is cancelled and the fielding side gets 5 runs.
Who gets the runs if the ball comes off the bat and the batters run?
The striker. They count towards the batter's score and against the bowler.
Do runs count if the batter is out on that ball?
It depends on how they are out. Run out: the completed runs count, the run in progress does not. Obstructing the field: completed runs count, unless the obstruction stopped a catch. Every other way: no runs count, except penalty runs.
Why the rule exists
A run is the reward for covering the length of the pitch while the fielders try to stop you. Cutting it short would take the reward without the risk.
Where it differs
Nothing. The same in the Laws and in the ICC men's playing conditions.
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 18.1 to 18.10 and 41.16, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).