Match Abandonment in Cricket Explained
When a cricket match is abandoned, how it differs from a no-result, and what happens to points in series and tournament standings when a match cannot be completed.
What Is an Abandoned Match?
A match is abandoned when play cannot begin at all — due to rain, an unfit ground, political events, or safety concerns — and no ball is bowled. If no play has occurred, the match is abandoned and no result is recorded. This differs from a 'no result' (where play begins but is not completed to reach a conclusion).
Abandoned vs No Result
| Situation | Classification |
|---|---|
| No play at all (no balls bowled) | Abandoned |
| Some play but insufficient for DLS result | No Result |
| Minimum overs bowled, DLS result possible | Result via DLS |
| Full match played, both innings complete | Result (win, loss, or tie) |
Impact on Series Points
An abandoned match does not count towards a team's win-loss record in a series — it is as if the match was never played. In bilateral T20I series, an abandoned match means the series points allocation for that match is typically split equally or simply not awarded. In ICC tournaments, abandoned group-stage matches may result in points being split between teams or the match being replicated on a reserve day if one is available.
Frequently asked questions
Does an abandoned match count in a player's statistics?
No — an abandoned match where no balls are bowled produces no statistical records. Neither batting nor bowling statistics are generated.
Can a Test match be abandoned?
Yes — if conditions are so extreme (prolonged flooding, safety threats) that no play is possible across five days, a Test can be abandoned without a result. This has happened rarely — most weather-affected Tests reach a draw rather than abandonment.
How are points split in an abandoned T20I series?
Typically, an abandoned match in a series is simply not counted. If a three-match series has one abandoned match and the remaining two are played (one win each), the series may end 1–1 with the abandoned match ignored.