Worm Chart in Cricket Explained
What a worm chart is in limited-overs cricket, how it shows the cumulative run progression of two innings on the same graph, and what patterns reveal match momentum.
What Is a Worm Chart?
A worm chart is a line graph used in limited-overs cricket (ODIs and T20s) that plots the cumulative runs scored by each team against the number of overs played. Both teams' innings are plotted on the same graph — the batting-first team's line and the chasing team's line. The shapes of the two lines and their relative positions reveal match momentum and the difficulty of the chase at any point.
How to Read a Worm Chart
The x-axis represents overs played (0 to 20 in T20, 0 to 50 in ODI). The y-axis represents total runs scored. A steeply rising line indicates fast scoring; a flatter line indicates slower, more conservative batting. When the chasing team's line is above the batting-first team's line at the same over, the chase is ahead of the required run rate — the chasing team is winning.
Worm Chart Reading
Team A scores 160 in a T20. Their worm starts flat (45 runs in 6 power play overs) then rises steeply (50 runs in overs 7–15) and then steep again at the death. Team B chases — their line starts steeply (60 runs in 6 overs) but flattens in the middle (only 40 in overs 7–14) before rising sharply in the death. At over 19, Team B's line crosses Team A's — the chase is on.
Match Momentum
A worm chart can visually show when match momentum shifted. A sudden flattening in the chasing team's line (wickets falling quickly, run rate dropping) corresponds to a flat section of the curve, while a steep climb shows quick scoring. Broadcast worm charts typically also show the target line (projected rate to win) alongside both teams' actual lines.
Frequently asked questions
Does a worm chart work for Test cricket?
Worm charts are most useful in limited-overs cricket, where both teams face the same number of overs. In Test cricket, comparing cumulative runs without wicket context is less meaningful. Test cricket uses over-by-over scoring charts and session tables instead.
What does it mean when the two lines cross on a worm chart?
When the chasing team's line crosses above the batting team's line at the same over point, the chase is ahead of the target rate. The chasing team needs less than the batting-first team scored at that stage — they are in a winning position.
Is the worm chart available during live matches?
Yes — worm charts are displayed during live broadcasts of international and major domestic T20 and ODI matches. They update ball by ball throughout the second innings.