School Cricket: Overs, Runs and the Scorebook

A school cricket game organized in six-ball overs, with scorekeepers recording runs, wickets and extras (wides and no-balls) ball by ball. At the end students calculate the run rate and compare team performance.

How to play

1. Explain the structure: an over is six legal deliveries by the same bowler, who cannot bowl two overs in a row; a wide (out of the batter's reach) and a no-ball (arriving above the waist on the full) add one run and are bowled again (4 min).
2. Game with two teams of 12: each batting pair faces one full over; a wicket does not eliminate anyone but costs three runs and the pair swaps batters; the bowler's-end umpire calls extras and wickets (20 min).
3. Scorekeepers check the sheet, add up runs per over and calculate each team's run rate (4 min).
4. Wrap-up: which over was most productive and which bowler gave up the fewest extras (2 min).

Rules

• Bowl with a straight arm or underhand, using a foam ball.
• Fielders stand at least 8 m from the batter.
• Carry the bat while running; never drop or throw it.
• Batters run on opposite sides of the central strip to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: bats with a teammate running for them, or serves as head scorekeeper.
• Low vision: hits a large, brightly colored foam ball bowled underhand.
• Math difficulties: uses a sheet with one box per ball and a calculator for the run rate.

Learning goals

• Understand the over structure and the rules on extras in cricket.
• Score a game ball by ball as scorekeeper.
• Calculate and interpret the run rate.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cricket bats: 4
• foam balls: 6
• poles: 12
• cones: 16
• pinnies: 14
• cards: 4
• pencils: 4

Teacher tip

Build the wickets with three poles set in a cone or a stand. Docking runs instead of eliminating batters keeps everyone involved.

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