What Time Does Cricket Close? Match Finish Times Explained

By Sarah Miller · November 8, 2042

Cricket matches do not have a fixed closing time; instead, the duration depends on the format of the game. Test matches can last up to five days with sessions ending around 6:00 PM local time daily, while One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) games typically conclude within a single day, finishing between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM depending on start time and delays.

Understanding Cricket Match Durations

The end time of a cricket match varies significantly based on the format being played. Unlike sports with fixed clock times, cricket operates on overs and playing sessions, making it essential to understand how each format structures its gameplay and closure.

Formats of Cricket and Their Timeframes

Test Cricket: The longest format, lasting up to five days, with three sessions per day totaling about 90 overs.
One Day Internationals (ODIs): Each team faces 50 overs, usually completed in 7–8 hours.
Twenty20 (T20) Matches: Fast-paced games where each side plays 20 overs, often concluding within 3.5 hours.

Daily Session Schedules in International Cricket

In Test matches, play is divided into three sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening. Each session lasts approximately two hours with breaks in between.

Typical Daily Playing Hours

Morning Session: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Lunch Break: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon Session: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Tea Break: 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM
Evening Session: 2:20 PM – 6:00 PM (or later if time is lost)

Note: In countries like England or Australia, session times may extend to 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM during summer months.

Format	Avg. Duration	Overs per Innings	Typical Finish Time	Venue Example
Test Match	5 days	Unlimited (90 overs/day)	6:00 PM Day 5	Lord's, England
ODI	7–8 hours	50 overs	7:00 PM – 9:00 PM	MCG, Australia
T20 International	3–4 hours	20 overs	10:00 PM (night game)	Eden Gardens, India
The Hundred	2.5–3 hours	100 balls per innings	9:30 PM	Lord's, England
IPL (T20)	3.5 hours	20 overs	11:00 PM (if starting at 7:30 PM)	Wankhede Stadium, India

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates how match finish times are influenced by format, start time, and venue. T20 leagues like the IPL often schedule evening starts (7:30 PM local time), leading to matches closing past 10:00 PM. In contrast, ODIs beginning at 9:30 AM usually wrap up by early evening.

Delays due to weather, DRS reviews, or interruptions can extend finish times, especially in Test cricket where catch-up time is added.

Factors That Affect When Cricket Matches End

Weather Conditions: Rain can reduce playing time, particularly in ODIs under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Night Matches: Floodlit games, especially in T20s, start later and finish after 10:00 PM.
Time Wasting: Umpires monitor over rates; slow bowling teams face penalties and potential time extensions.
Boundary Rope Distance: Larger grounds slow down fielding, slightly increasing match duration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cricket Closing Times

What time does a Test match usually finish?

Test matches typically end around 6:00 PM local time each day, though this may extend to 6:30 PM or later if time was lost during the day due to weather or other delays.

Do all cricket matches end at the same time every day?

No, finish times vary by format, start time, venue, and external factors like weather. Day-night Tests and T20 leagues often conclude after 8:00 PM.

How long does a T20 cricket match last?

A T20 match usually lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, including innings break. If the match starts at 7:30 PM, it typically ends around 11:00 PM, especially in leagues like the IPL or Big Bash.

Why do some cricket matches go longer than scheduled?

Matches can exceed scheduled end times due to rain delays, DRS reviews, injuries, or slow over rates. In Test cricket, lost time is often made up with extended sessions or a reserve day.

What time do ODI matches usually finish?

An ODI match starting at 9:30 AM typically concludes between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM local time, depending on lunch and tea breaks, over rates, and any interruptions.