Run rate is frequently referred to as “Runs Per Over” (RPO). It is the number of runs scored by the batting side or any batsman from a side in an over of a cricket match.
Each over is made up of six balls. The run rate includes runs achieved by the batting side in the over, which includes runs scored by the batsman, as well as runs resulting from extras, such as no-balls or wide deliveries.
How to Calculate Run Rate in Cricket?
In cricket, the run rate is simply calculated by dividing the total number of runs scored during a particular period of an innings by the total number of overs bowled.
So, if the total score after 15 overs is 90, then the calculation will be 90/15, which equals 6.00.
Formula for calculating Run Rate:
Run Rate = No. of Runs Scored / No. of Overs Faced
However, the equation must be modified in order for calculations to be performed during an ongoing process. While the number of runs is assumed, the value of the balls bowled must be calibrated.
Because an over is made up of six balls, the value of the six deliveries is divided by the number of balls in the over. As a result, the first ball is one-sixth of an over (or 0.16), the second is two-sixths (0.33), the third is three-sixths (0.5), the fourth is four-sixths (0.66), the fifth is five-sixths (0.83), and the sixth completes the over.
If the final score is 107 in 17.2 overs, then the calculation will be 107/17.33, which equals 6.17.
This is known as Runs Per Over (RPO), and it is computed in the same way as a bowler’s economy rate in a match, tournament, or career.
For all forms of cricket, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODI), and Twenty20 (T20), the run rate is calculated the same way.
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Is Run Rate the Same as Net Run Rate?
No, run rate and net run rate are two different metrics in cricket. The run rate is used for a particular match. The net run rate (NRR), on the other hand, is used in tournaments featuring 3 or more teams and is only calculated for competing teams.
Formula for Net Run Rate:
NRR = (No. of Runs Scored / No. of Over Faced) – (No. of Overs Conceded / No. of Overs Bowled)
You can check out our comprehensive guide on net run rate calculation.
Final Thoughts
Because of the short duration of the game, the concept of run rate has grown in relevance in today’s cricket, as traditional Test matches and ODIs are gradually losing way to high-octane T20 gameplay. This has resulted in some record-breaking run rates over the previous few years since the T20 format’s introduction.
