limitedovers

Limited-overs cricket, also known as one-day cricket, is a form of the game in which each team has a fixed number of overs to bat. This cap on overs makes the match time-bound, typically completing within a single day. The most common international format is 50 overs per side, while some domestic competitions use 40 or 50 overs. An innings ends either after the designated number of overs has been bowled or when the batting team is all out.

The format emerged in England in the 1960s as a shorter alternative to timeless or multi-day cricket. It gained rapid popularity and led to the creation of official One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in the 1970s. Over time, limited-overs cricket expanded globally, with various leagues and national teams adopting the format. The term also encompasses domestic List A cricket, which includes various 40- or 50-over competitions outside the international arena.

Playing conditions in limited-overs matches often include fielding restrictions and changes to strategies, encouraging more aggressive run-scoring and higher tempos. In international play, weather can affect results, leading to revised targets through methods such as the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern calculation in rain-affected games.

Limited-overs cricket contrasts with longer formats such as Test cricket, where play is not restricted by a fixed number of overs and can last up to five days. The format remains a central component of modern cricket, balancing entertainment with competitive balance.