POWER PLAY IN CRICKET

One-day internationals are one of the famous forms of cricket played in the recent times. It is a wondering fact that this form of cricket has come to existence only a few decades ago. At first the number of over bowled for a team is kept at 60. Nevertheless, later this has been reducing to a maximum of 50 over per team. Due to its short span nature, ODIs became very famous among the youngsters and kids. At first, the complete 50 overs are bowled without any fielding restrictions. However, after the 1995 world cup, these restrictions are brought into existence. The first 15 overs have been announced as the power play overs and there should not be more than three fielders outside the circle. This power play has many advantages and disadvantages. It paved the way for the batsmen to hit over the fielders in the initial overs in order to put pressure on the bowling side. In the past year or so, the power play overs have increased to 20 in number. Out of these 20 overs, first 10 overs are common for both the teams, the next couple of 5 overs split up one for the batting side and one for the bowling side.