How Runs Are Scored in Cricket: Boundaries, Running, and Extras
Runs are the currency of cricket. This guide explains every way a batting team can score — running between wickets, hitting boundaries, and collecting extras from wides, no-balls, byes, and leg-byes — and why each method matters tactically.
Cricket scoring sounds simple — hit the ball and run — but the full range of ways to accumulate runs is surprisingly varied. A team can score without the batsman even touching the ball. Understanding each scoring method helps fans appreciate why some matches are high-scoring and others grind along at two runs per over.
Running Between the Wickets
The foundation of scoring is running. When a batsman hits the ball, both batters sprint to exchange ends. Each completed run is one point. Two batters can run two or even three times on a single delivery if the ball goes into open space and they have the speed. The non-striker faces the ball next if an odd number of runs is completed.
Boundaries — Fours and Sixes
If the ball reaches or crosses the boundary rope, automatic runs are awarded. A ball that rolls or bounces over the boundary scores four runs. A ball that clears the boundary without touching the ground — a six — is the most spectacular scoring shot. The boundary size matters: smaller grounds have shorter boundaries, making sixes more frequent and inflating scores.
Overthrow Runs
When a fielder attempts to run out a batsman and misses, the ball can travel to the boundary or into open space — called an overthrow. Runs accumulated after the fielder's attempt to hit the stumps are added to the batting total. If the ball reaches the boundary off an overthrow, four more runs are added on top of any already run.
Wides
A wide is called when the ball passes too far outside the batting crease to be played by the batsman in a normal stance. The batting team receives one extra run automatically, and the delivery must be bowled again. In T20 cricket, the wide rule is stricter — balls down leg side are called wide even if the batsman could technically have reached them.
No-Balls
A no-ball is bowled when the bowler oversteps the crease, delivers a dangerous bouncer, or bowls an illegal action. One extra run is awarded, the ball must be rebowled, and — crucially — the batsman cannot be out off a no-ball (except via run-out or a few specific dismissals). This penalty effectively costs the bowling team two deliveries for the price of one.
Byes and Leg Byes
A bye is scored when the ball passes the bat and wicketkeeper and the batters run, or if the ball reaches the boundary. A leg bye is scored when the ball strikes the batsman's body (but not the bat) and they run, or the ball reaches the boundary. Both are extras added to the team total but not credited to the batsman's individual score.
Why Extras Matter
Extras can swing matches. In a tight T20 chasing 150, 15 extras is like receiving a free bonus of 10 percent of the target. Disciplines sides concede fewer than five extras per innings. Teams with high extra counts often have bowlers who struggle with line and length under pressure, or wicketkeepers who miss edges.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to score runs in cricket?
A six off a free hit no-ball is the maximum — it adds at least 6 runs and cannot result in dismissal, and can be followed by another free delivery.
Do extras count toward a batsman's individual score?
No. Wides, no-balls, byes, and leg-byes are team extras credited to the team total but not to any batsman's personal run tally.
What is a free hit in cricket?
A free hit is awarded after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket. The batsman cannot be dismissed off the free hit except by run-out, meaning they can attack freely.