Power Play Rules in One Day International Cricket

Powerplays were introduced to cricket in order to increase the number of runs scored in the early overs of cricket matches.



Historically, these overs were often observed somewhat conservatively with the batsmen focusing on taking the shine off the new ball and maintaining their wicket. Since the advent of the shorter formats of the game, in particular 20/20 cricket, powerplays have been used to encourage batsman to play more adventurously during the opening 15 overs. This is achieved by placing fielding restrictions upon the fielding team, which generates gaps in the field for batsmen to score through.



Powerplays can only be taken at the start of an over, and the umpire will indicate the powerplay by making a circling motion in front of his body.

  1. Compulsory Powerplay (Powerplay One)

    • In every one-day international match, the first 10 overs are mandatory powerplay overs.

      In the first powerplay, the fielding restrictions mean that only two fielders are allowed to stand outside a 30-yard circle when the ball is delivered by the bowler. This circle is around the wicket and is marked out on the pitch. Once the ball has been delivered, all fieldsmen can move freely anywhere on the pitch.

      During the first power play, there must also be two fielders in a close catching position. This means that two players will be within a few yards of the batsman.

      Any infringements on these fielding restrictions results in the ball being called a no-ball, meaning the bowling side concedes one run and must bowl that delivery again.

    Fielding Powerplay (Powerplay Two)

    • The second powerplay lasts only five overs. It is called the fielding powerplay, as the fielding team decides when they will take it. Use of the fielding powerplay is mandatory, and it is nearly always used immediately following the opening 10 overs.

      During this powerplay, there are similar restrictions as to the first 10 overs, but the fielding side is not required to have any close catchers. Once again, only two men are allowed outside the fielding circle.

    Batting Powerplay (Powerplay Three)

    • The third powerplay is called the batting powerplay. The restrictions on the field are identical to the second powerplay, but this five over spell is taken by the batting side. Often the batting powerplay is taken late in the innings in order to score runs heavily towards the end of the batting, to lower the risk presented by batsmen getting dismissed.

      If a batting side does not plan their overs properly, or they lose wickets unexpectedly, the batting powerplay can occur in the final five overs of the match. If the batting side has not elected to take the powerplay by the start of the 46th over, the umpire will enforce it for the final five overs.