Cricket Economy Rate and Run Rate Calculations Explained
How to calculate cricket economy rate, current run rate (CRR), and required run rate (RRR) — the three most important rate statistics in limited-overs cricket.
Economy Rate
Economy rate measures how many runs a bowler concedes per over bowled. It is the primary measure of bowling efficiency in white-ball cricket. Formula: Economy Rate = Total Runs Conceded ÷ Overs Bowled.
Economy Rate Example
A bowler concedes 36 runs in 6 overs. Economy rate = 36 ÷ 6 = 6.00. An economy rate below 6.00 is excellent in ODI cricket; below 7.00 is competitive in T20 cricket.
Current Run Rate (CRR)
Current run rate measures the batting side's scoring pace at any point in their innings. Formula: CRR = Total Runs Scored ÷ Overs Faced. In ODI and T20 score displays, CRR updates ball by ball and gives an indication of whether the batting team is on track for their target or intended total.
CRR Example
A team has scored 120 runs from 20 overs. CRR = 120 ÷ 20 = 6.00. A typical T20 team needs a CRR of 8.0+ to challenge for a score above 150.
Required Run Rate (RRR)
Required run rate measures how quickly the chasing team must score to win. Formula: RRR = Runs Needed ÷ Overs Remaining. This updates every ball and tells the batting team and viewers how hard the chase has become.
RRR Example
Chasing 200 runs, a team has scored 80 in 12 overs. Runs needed = 200 − 80 = 120. Overs remaining = 20 − 12 = 8. RRR = 120 ÷ 8 = 15.00. A required run rate of 15 per over is extremely difficult in T20 cricket and normally represents a losing position.
When Does DLS Replace RRR?
If rain interrupts a chase, the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method replaces simple RRR calculation. DLS accounts for both the overs lost and the wickets remaining, producing a revised target. Raw RRR calculation is not used in rain-affected chases — DLS provides the correct target.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good required run rate in T20?
A required run rate of 8–9 per over is achievable for good T20 batting sides. Above 12 per over, the chase becomes increasingly unlikely. Above 15 per over, wins are extremely rare unless top batters are still in.
Can a team have a higher CRR than the opposition's target rate?
Yes — if Team A set 180 runs in 20 overs (CRR = 9.0) and Team B is scoring 180 in 18 overs (CRR = 10.0), Team B is comfortably ahead of the required run rate. They need only maintain their pace to win.
How does economy rate differ from strike rate?
Economy rate measures runs conceded per over by the bowler. Strike rate (for bowlers) measures balls bowled per wicket. A bowler can have a low economy rate but a high bowling strike rate — meaning they concede few runs but take wickets rarely.