Scoop Shot in Cricket: How Batters Turn Yorkers Into Sixes
The scoop is a reverse-engineering of the yorker: instead of digging it out, the batter gets under it and flicks it over the wicketkeeper's head for six. Learn when and why batters play it, and what can go wrong.
What is the scoop shot?
The scoop (sometimes called the ramp) is a T20-era batting shot designed to send the ball over or past the wicketkeeper — in the fine-leg or third-man direction — off a delivery aimed at the batter's feet or body. The batter drops their body, opens their face, gets under the ball, and flicks or scoops it over the stumps and keeper. Against a fast yorker that would pin a traditional batter, the scoop converts a wicket-taking delivery into a six by taking the ball earlier and redirecting its pace.
When and why batters play it
The scoop is most effective when: the fielding side has no fine leg or third man inside the circle; the bowler is bowling full, targeting the toes; and the batter is confident in their hand-eye coordination under pressure. It is primarily a death-overs shot, though some batters play it earlier when the fielding restrictions create favourable angles. Jos Buttler, Tillakaratne Dilshan (who made the 'Dilscoop' famous in the 2009 World T20), and Suryakumar Yadav are among its most prolific modern practitioners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a scoop and a ramp?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, a ramp uses the pace of the ball to deflect it fine, while a scoop involves more active bat face opening. In practice, the distinction is rarely meaningful in commentary.
What is the Dilscoop?
A variant popularised by Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan: the batter kneels very low into a deep crouch to play the shot, giving more control and a wider range of angles. Dilshan used it to devastating effect in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, hitting several sixes off full deliveries.