Cricket

Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven on an oval field with a 22-yard pitch at the center. The objective is to score more runs than the opposing team. A team bats to accumulate runs; the opponent bowls and fields in attempts to dismiss batsmen and limit runs.

The field is oval, with a rectangular pitch at center featuring three stumps at each end and two sets of creases. Batsmen score runs by running between the wickets or by hitting boundaries. Bowling involves pace and spin, with bowlers aiming to dismiss the batsmen through various methods.

Runs and dismissals: A boundary scores four or six; otherwise runs are completed by running. Common means of dismissal include bowled, caught, leg before wicket, run out, stumped, and obstructing the field.

Formats: The game ranges from multi-day Test matches to limited-overs formats: One Day Internationals (50 overs per side) and Twenty20 (20 overs per side). International cricket is played between member nations of the ICC and is supplemented by domestic leagues.

History and governance: Cricket originated in England in the 16th century, spreading through the British Empire. The sport is governed internationally by the International Cricket Council. The Marylebone Cricket Club codified the laws, with modifications over time.

Notable competitions and culture: The Cricket World Cup (ODI) and the World Test Championship crown teams in different formats; Twenty20 World Cup and domestic T20 leagues (e.g., Indian Premier League) have increased popularity. The sport has a global following, especially in Commonwealth countries, with varied professional structures.