First innings points

In this article, we’ll explore how different countries implement first innings points in their domestic First-Class Cricket tournaments — from Australia’s Sheffield Shield to India’s Ranji Trophy — and how these rules shape the game.

First innings points: Formats

As you know, cricket competitions can be held in 2 formats:

• First-class cricket;
• Cricket with limited overs.

As a result, first-class cricket may be played both domestically and internationally. There is another name for international tournaments, which are dubbed test competitions.

Cricket matches with a restriction on the number of overs may be played either inside a single nation or between nations. On the other hand, this cricket may be classified into numerous different types: Among the others, there is One Day, Twenty20, The Hundred, and T10.

The time of the matches is the primary distinction between first class cricket and restricted cricket on the cricket circuit. One day is allotted for the game of cricket, which has a restricted amount of overs (there is a reserve day for situations of force majeure). There are just two innings played in each of these competitions.

As far as first-class cricket is concerned, this is not the case. In a span of three to five days, one match takes occur. Four innings are played between the teams, with club kicks in twice and hits twice. With that being said, the term “first innings points” is only used in the context of first-class cricket (it was essential to bring you up to speed on the number of innings).

The scoring system for each nation and each competition is different. In light of this, there are rankings at the championships contest. In cricket, in addition to winning and drawing, there is also a space for bonus points. If there are only two reasons to reward a team with points in football, then in cricket, there is a room for bonus points.

It is possible for the club that won the first inning or was in the lead for a specified amount of time in the first inning to be given bonus points, regardless of the result of the match. As an example, the following are some instances of well-known domestic championships from various countries:

• The Sheffield Shield (Australia). There are no specific opening inning bonus points in this tournament, but there are points for each team’s 1st innings. So, during the first 100 overs of the 1st inning, the slugger club receives an additional 0.01 point for each run, after the team has already run 200 runs. Bowlers, on the other hand, in the 1st inning for themselves, receive 0.1 point for each wicket;
• The County Championship (England). At this championship, the essence is the same. Only not for 100 overs, but 110. Batsmen get one point for every additional 50 runs (after 200 runs). Bowlers for 3-5 wickets – 1 point, for 6-8 wickets – 2 points and for 9-10 wickets – 3 points;
• The Plunket Shield (New Zealand). Likewise, up to 110 1st inning overs for each team. For batsmen who scored 200 runs – 1 point, 250 runs – 2 points, etc.). For bowlers, 1 point – 3 wickets, 2 point – 5 wickets, etc .;
• The Ranji Trophy (India). Here the calculation is different. If the match ends with a draw, then the club that won the 1st inning gets three additional points, and the second team 1 point (but only if the game ends in a draw);
• The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (Pakistan). Likewise, the 1st innings for each team are counted (within 110 overs). For the battering team, one point is awarded for 200 runs, two points for 250 runs, etc. For the serving team – 1st point for three wickets, 2nd point for six wickets, etc.;
• 4-Day Domestic Series (South Africa). Bonuses are valid for 100 debut inning overs for each team. 1 point – for 150 runs or three wickets. After that, for each run, 0.02 points are awarded, and for the next two knocked-out wickets – a point;
• Regional Four Day Competition (West India). Perhaps the most interesting bonus points. If the club lost the match but won the 1st inning – 4 points. The team lost the match but drew in the 1st inning – 3 points. In case of an incomplete match for a win in the first inning – 6 points, a draw – 4 points, and a loss – 3 points. If the whole game is tied – for the same score in the 1st inning – 4 points-a loss in the 1st inning – 3 points.