Why Cricket Looks Confusing (But Really Isn’t)
If you’re watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time, cricket can feel overwhelming. There’s a bat, a ball, a big field, and players standing everywhere. But here’s the good news: you only need a few basic rules to enjoy the game—especially in T20 cricket like IPL.
For Filipino fans, think of cricket as a mix of baseball and basketball:
- Like baseball, there’s batting and bowling (pitching)
- Like basketball, the game is fast, high-scoring, and momentum can change quickly
You don’t need to know everything on Day 1. This guide focuses only on what actually matters when you’re watching a match.
The Goal of Cricket (Super Simple)
The goal is very simple:
Score more runs (points) than the other team.
One team bats and tries to score runs.
The other team bowls and fields, trying to stop them.
After one team finishes batting, they switch roles.
Whoever has more runs at the end wins.
Runs = Points (This Is the Most Important Part)
Runs are how teams score points.
How runs are scored
- Running between the wickets → 1 run
- Ball hits the boundary (rolls) → 4 runs
- Ball goes over the boundary without touching the ground → 6 runs
👉 For Filipino fans:
A six is like a three-point shot or a dunk—big, loud, exciting.
You’ll hear crowds go crazy when a six is hit. That’s normal 😄
Batters, Bowlers, and Fielders (Who Does What?)
Batters
- Try to score runs
- Two batters are on the field at the same time
- One faces the bowler, the other waits at the other end
Bowlers
- Throw (bowl) the ball toward the batter
- Try to get batters out or stop runs
- One bowler bowls 6 balls = 1 over
Fielders
- Catch the ball
- Stop it from reaching the boundary
- Try to help get batters out
How Batters Get “Out” (You Only Need to Know 4 Ways)
There are many ways to get out, but beginners only need these:
- Bowled – Ball hits the sticks (wickets). You’re out.
- Caught – Batter hits the ball, fielder catches it. Out.
- Run Out – Batter is too slow while running. Out.
- LBW – Ball hits the leg when it would’ve hit the wickets.
If 10 batters get out, the team’s batting turn ends.
What Is an “Over” and Why It Matters
An over = 6 balls bowled by one bowler.
In IPL:
- Each team gets 20 overs to bat
- That’s it—no extensions
Think of overs like time limits. Teams must score as much as possible before overs run out.
That’s why IPL feels fast and aggressive.
Powerplay, Middle Overs, and Death Overs (Game Phases)
Powerplay (Overs 1–6)
- Only a few fielders allowed outside
- Batters attack aggressively
- High risk, high reward
Middle Overs (7–15)
- Teams stabilize
- Mix of attack and control
Death Overs (16–20)
- Last chance to score
- Big hits, big pressure
- Games are often decided here
👉 If you only watch the last 5 overs, you’ll still enjoy IPL.
What Does the Score Mean? (Example Explained)
Example score:
Mumbai Indians 180/6 (20 overs)
This means:
- 180 runs scored
- 6 batters got out
- All 20 overs used
If the other team scores 181, they win.
If they score 179, they lose.
Simple.
Why Matches Can End Early
Sometimes you’ll see a match end before 20 overs. Why?
- The chasing team already scored enough runs
- All batters got out early
- Rain or weather interruptions
In IPL, chasing teams often try to finish games as fast as possible.
Do You Need to Understand Everything to Enjoy IPL?
Honestly? No.
Most fans enjoy IPL by:
- Watching big hits
- Feeling the tension in close games
- Cheering for players or teams they like
Rules will make sense naturally the more you watch.
Just like basketball, you didn’t learn every rule before enjoying your first game.
FAQs: Cricket Rules for Filipino Beginners
1) Is cricket slow like baseball?
No. IPL matches are fast, high-scoring, and usually finish in about 3 hours.
2) Why do players wear pads and helmets?
The ball is hard and fast. Protection is necessary.
3) Can a match end in a tie?
Yes, but IPL often uses a tiebreaker (called a Super Over).
4) Why do teams change bowlers often?
To manage fatigue and use different strategies against batters.
5) Do umpires make mistakes?
Yes, but technology is often used to review close decisions.
6) What should beginners focus on while watching?
Runs, wickets (outs), and how many overs are left.
Conclusion: You’re Ready to Watch IPL Now
That’s it. With just these basics, you’re ready to enjoy IPL 2026 as a Filipino fan. Don’t worry about knowing every rule. Focus on the excitement, the players, and the close finishes.
The rest will come naturally.