Pairs Cricket
A school cricket format where each pair bats for a set number of balls and, if they get out, they lose runs instead of leaving the game. Students practice hitting with a flat bat, running between wickets, and teamwork with a partner.
How to play
- Set up two fields with two wickets 40 ft apart and a ring of cones about 65 ft out; form four teams of 6 split into 3 pairs, with two teams per field (3 min).
- One pair bats, one batter at each wicket; fielders spread out and one bowls from behind the far wicket with one bounce before the ball reaches the batter.
- If the batter hits the ball, the pair can run, crossing between the wickets: each full swap is 1 run.
- If the ball hits the wicket, a hit is caught in the air, or the fielders knock down a wicket with the ball before the runner gets there, the pair loses 3 runs and keeps batting.
- Each pair starts with 20 runs and faces 12 balls; the bowler changes every 6.
- When all 3 pairs have batted, teams switch and add up the team's runs (20 min).
Rules
- Safety: batters carry the bat when running, and nobody but the wicketkeeper stands within 15 ft of the batter.
- Bowl underhand or with a straight arm, always with one bounce.
- Batters call 'Yes!' or 'No!' before running.
Variations
Easier
Bowl from 25 ft, or hit a ball set on top of a cone.
Standard
Wickets 40 ft apart, 12 balls per pair, and minus 3 runs per out.
Harder
A ball that rolls past the cone ring scores 4 runs and one that clears it in the air scores 6, like real cricket.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: bat seated with a lower wicket while their partner does all the running.
- Visual impairment: use a large, brightly colored ball and have the bowler call out before releasing.
- Skill level: students who struggle can use a wider bat or hit a rolled ball.
Learning goals
- Hit a bounced ball with a flat bat.
- Work with a partner to decide when to run.
- Learn the basic rules of a sport popular in many countries.
Equipment for a class of 25
- plastic cricket bats: 4
- plastic cricket stumps (wickets): 4
- soft balls: 4
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
In cricket you can hit in any direction, so fielders surround the batter at a distance. Keep the wicketkeeper at least 10 ft behind the wicket.
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