GuideOct 27, 20264 min read
How to Keep Score in Cricket: A Beginner Guide
Scoring by hand is a fun way to learn the game. You only need a pencil and a scorebook.
What you record
For every ball, write what happened: runs, a dot, a wicket or an extra. Keep totals for each batter and bowler.
Common symbols
A dot means no runs. A number means runs. W marks a wicket. Wd marks a wide and Nb a no-ball.
Running totals
Update the team total after every ball and add the over total at the end of each over.
Fall of wickets
Record the team score and the batter's name every time a wicket falls.
Extras
Add wides, no-balls, byes and leg byes to the team extras, and make sure the runs are not credited to the batter.
Checking at the end
Add up the batters' runs and extras. The sum should match the team total.
Quick answers
What do I need to score a match?
A scorebook, a pen or pencil and the names of both teams in batting order.
How do I score a bye?
Write the number of runs with a b next to it and add them to the team extras only.