ODIs

ODIs, or One Day Internationals, are a form of limited-overs cricket played between two national teams. Each side bats once and attempts to score more runs than its opponent within a fixed quota of overs, traditionally 50 per innings. The game is designed to be completed in a single day.

ODIs originated in the early 1970s as a shorter alternative to Test cricket. The first ODI was played on 5 January 1971 between England and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The format grew in popularity and led to the creation of the Cricket World Cup in 1975. In the following decades, ODI cricket incorporated innovations such as day-night matches, colored clothing, and the use of a white ball.

Match format and rules in ODIs feature two innings, with each team batting once. The team batting second aims to chase the target set by the first innings. If the pursuing team is all out before using all 50 overs, or if they surpass the target before the 50 overs are completed, the result is determined accordingly. In the event of a tie, many competitions employ a tiebreaker such as a Super Over, though specific rules can vary by tournament.

ODIs are governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in conjunction with the national boards of the participating countries. The most prominent ODI competition is the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, held every four years, along with other international tournaments and numerous bilateral and tri-nation series that use the 50-over format.

ODIs have produced notable records and star players, with specialists in attacking batting and economical bowling. The format remains a central part of international cricket, balancing shorter game times with strategic depth and broad spectator appeal.