Worm Chart in Cricket — Reading the Run Progression Graph
What a worm chart is in cricket, how it shows run scoring patterns across an innings, how to compare the two teams' scoring rates, and why it is the most useful broadcast graphic.
The worm chart is a graphical representation of an innings's run progression over time — a line chart where the x-axis is overs and the y-axis is cumulative runs. The 'worm' nickname comes from the characteristic shape the line makes as it winds across the chart. It is one of cricket's most immediately informative broadcast graphics.
How to Read a Worm Chart
The line starts at zero (over 0, 0 runs) and rises across the chart as each over is completed. Steep sections indicate high-scoring overs (a six or multiple fours hit); flat sections indicate dots or low-scoring overs (tight bowling, wickets). When two innings are shown together — team A's worm in blue, team B's in red — the team whose worm is above the other at any point is ahead of the scoring rate. In a chase, the worm crossing below the target team's line signals the chase falling behind.
Powerplay Spike
In T20 and ODI charts, you'll typically see a steep rise in the worm during overs 1-6 (the powerplay), a flatter middle section (10-40 overs in ODIs, 7-16 in T20s), and a final sharp spike in the death overs (46-50 ODIs, 17-20 T20s). Understanding this pattern allows viewers to judge whether a powerplay total was above or below par, and whether the death overs compensated for a slow middle period.
Worm Chart and DLS
During rain interruptions, broadcast worm charts sometimes overlay the DLS par score line — showing exactly how many runs the batting team needs at each over to stay 'on par' with the DLS target. If the team's worm is above the par line, they would win if the match were abandoned at that moment. Falling below the par line in a rain-affected match creates urgency.
Frequently asked questions
Can a worm chart go down?
No — cumulative runs only increase. However, the slope of the worm can be flat (no scoring) or slow (only singles). The line itself never drops below its previous value.
Is the worm chart available for Test matches?
Yes — Test worm charts show runs scored in each session or over across the entire day's play. Multi-day Test scorecards are less common broadcast graphics but are used in statistical analysis.
What does it mean when two worms converge?
In a chase, when the chasing team's worm converges with the first team's worm, the run rate is equalising — the chase is heating up. If the chasing worm overtakes, they have scored more runs at that over and will win if wickets hold.