How Many Innings in Cricket? By Format Explained

By Emma Wilson · May 25, 2030

Cricket matches typically consist of two innings, but the number can vary depending on the format. In Test cricket, each team bats twice for a total of four innings, while limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20s feature only one innings per side, totaling two innings.

Understanding Innings in Cricket

The concept of innings is central to how cricket matches are structured. An innings ends when a team is all out, reaches the target score, or runs out of time or overs, depending on the match format.

What Determines the Number of Innings?

Match Format: Test, ODI, and T20 matches have different rules governing innings.
Team Performance: If a team is bowled out quickly, the innings ends early.
Time Constraints: In multi-day games, time limits affect how many innings are completed.
Result Requirements: In chases, the second innings may end early if the target is reached.

Different Cricket Formats and Their Innings Structure

Each major cricket format follows specific rules about innings, overs, and duration. Understanding these helps clarify why the number of innings varies.

Test Cricket: Four Innings Maximum

In Test matches, each team gets two batting opportunities, leading to up to four innings. Matches last up to five days, and teams aim to win by outscoring the opponent across both innings.

One Day Internationals (ODIs): Two Innings Total

ODIs are limited to 50 overs per side. Each team bats once, resulting in exactly two innings per match. The team scoring more runs wins.

T20 Cricket: Fast-Paced, One Innings per Team

T20 matches limit each team to 20 overs. Like ODIs, there are two innings—one per team—making the game shorter and more aggressive.

Breakdown of Innings Across Major Formats

Format	Overs per Innings	Number of Innings per Team	Total Possible Innings	Match Duration
Test Match	Unlimited (90 overs/day)	2	4	5 days
One Day International (ODI)	50	1	2	1 day (~8 hours)
T20 International	20	1	2	3–4 hours
The Hundred	100 balls	1	2	~2.5 hours
First-Class Domestic	Unlimited (session-based)	2	4	3–4 days

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights key differences in innings structure across formats. Test and first-class cricket allow two innings per team, enabling strategic declarations and comebacks. In contrast, limited-overs formats strictly enforce one innings per side, emphasizing efficiency and pace. The evolution of newer formats like The Hundred shows a trend toward faster gameplay with simplified structures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cricket Innings

How many innings are in a standard cricket match?

A standard cricket match has two innings—one for each team—in limited-overs formats like ODIs and T20s. However, Test matches allow up to four innings, with each team batting twice.

Why does Test cricket have four innings?

Test cricket allows each team two batting opportunities to encourage strategic depth and resilience. This two-innings-per-side structure enables comebacks and prolonged tactical battles over five days.

Can a cricket match end in less than two innings?

Yes. In limited-overs cricket, if the team batting second surpasses the target before being all out, the second innings ends early. In rare cases, weather or abandonment can result in incomplete innings.

What happens if a team is all out in an innings?

If a team is all out (loses all 10 wickets), their innings ends immediately, regardless of remaining overs. The opposing team then begins their innings or chases the target.

Do women's cricket matches have the same number of innings as men's?

Yes, women’s cricket follows the same innings structure as men’s. Women’s Tests have four possible innings, ODIs have one per team, and T20s follow the same single-innings-per-side rule.