Contents List
- 1 How Long Is a Cricket Match?
- 2 How Long Is a Cricket Match (T10, T20, ODI, Test) – Quick Comparison Table
- 3 T10 – The 90-Minute Fireworks Show
- 4 T20 – The Modern Cricket Superstar
- 5 The Hundred – England’s Unique Experiment
- 6 ODI – The One-Day Epic
- 7 First-Class Matches – The Unsung Hero
- 8 Test Matches – The Real Test of Cricket
- 9 What Affects the Duration of a Match?
- 10 FAQs – How Long Is a Cricket Match?
- 11 Conclusion – The Beauty of Cricket’s Timings
How Long Is a Cricket Match?
Cricket is more than just a sport; it’s a feeling. For millions of fans, whether it is a T20 game, an ODI, or a Test match, every ball, every run, and every wicket tells its own story. Some cricket formats are like the powerplay of the IPL, while others are like the Ashes series, where strategies unfold like a chess game. Cricket has something for everyone.
But if you’re new to the game, one of the most common questions you’ll hear is: “How long is a cricket match?”
The tricky part? There isn’t one fixed answer. Cricket is played in various formats, each with its own timing and flavor. Some matches wrap up in just 90 minutes, while others stretch for days, testing every ounce of a player’s patience and skill.
In this post, we’ll break down the duration of every major cricket format—from the lightning-fast T10 to the timeless beauty of Test cricket—and share some interesting stories and moments that make each format more special.
How Long Is a Cricket Match (T10, T20, ODI, Test) – Quick Comparison Table
| Format | Overs (Per Side) | Average Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| T10 | 10 overs | 90–100 minutes | Fastest format, big hitting, started in 2017 |
| T20 | 20 overs | 3–4 hours | IPL & PSL fame, non-stop entertainment |
| The Hundred | 100 balls | 2.5 hours | England’s new format, started by ECB in 2021 |
| ODI | 50 overs | 7–8 hours | World Cup format, mix of strategy & power-hitting |
| First-Class | Unlimited (4 innings) | 3–4 days (6 hrs/day) | Domestic backbone for Test cricket |
| Test Match | Unlimited (4 innings) | Up to 5 days (6 hrs/day) | Purest form of cricket, strategy & endurance |
T10 – The 90-Minute Fireworks Show
Duration: 90–100 minutes
If you think T20 is fast, wait till you watch T10. With just 10 overs per side, a T10 game finishes in less than two hours. It’s like the Formula One version of cricket—no time to settle, just pure attack from the first ball.
Did You Know?
The Abu Dhabi T10 League, which began in 2017, is officially endorsed by the ICC and is experiencing rapid growth. It has become a favorite for players who want to showcase their hitting power without worrying about long innings.
Iconic T10 Moment:
Who else but Chris Gayle? He smashed 50 runs in just 12 balls during a T10 game. While this format isn’t part of the ICC’s roadmap yet, it may soon be a major part of worldwide cricket. This is exactly why cricket fans love this format—it’s short, explosive, and unpredictable.
T20 – The Modern Cricket Superstar
Duration: Around 3–4 hours
T20 cricket is the heartbeat of today’s generation. With only 20 overs per innings, a typical T20 match lasts 3 to 4 hours—as long as a movie, but packed with way more action.
India’s victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2007 final completely reshaped the modern era of cricket. Since then, leagues such as the IPL (India), PSL (Pakistan), and BBL (Australia) have made T20 the most-watched format worldwide.
Why Fans Love It:
- Every over is a mini-battle.
- Batters look for boundaries, bowlers fight with clever variations.
- The vibe in stadiums is electrifying, with music, cheer squads, and roaring fans.
The Hundred – England’s Unique Experiment
Duration: Around 2.5 hours
The Hundred, started by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021, is a new and bold version of cricket. This format features 100 balls per innings instead of the traditional overs, with no change after each over. The format lasts approximately 2.5 hours, which is considered shorter than a T20. Each bowler delivers in sets of 5 or 10 balls, and there is no change after each over.
It’s still relatively new and not as widely popular globally, but in England, it’s gaining traction slowly. With shorter game time and evening matches (Matches usually start at 6:30 pm to 9 pm), it feels like a perfect post-work treat for cricket fans.
ODI – The One-Day Epic
Duration: 7–8 hours (50 overs per side)
Before the T20 format, the One Day International (ODI) format was the fan favorite. The average ODI lasts about 7 hours, with each inning generally taking around 3.5 hours, including a break in between. From the ODI World Cup to the sensational bilateral series matches, the one-day international format has proven itself to be a balanced, exciting format that blends patience with power-hitting.
Why ODIs Matter:
- They balance aggression and strategy.
- The Cricket World Cup—the biggest prize in cricket—is played in this format.
- Iconic matches, such as the 2011 India vs. Sri Lanka World Cup final and Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup win, are etched in cricket history.
First-Class Matches – The Unsung Hero
Duration: 3–4 days (6 hours per day)
First-class cricket is where the real heroes of the game are shaped. These matches might not have the shine of T20s or the high drama of ODIs, but ask any true cricket lover—they’ll tell you this is where a player’s true character is tested. Spanning 3–4 days with long sessions of six hours each day, first-class cricket is not just about scoring runs or taking wickets; it’s about surviving, fighting, and proving you have what it takes to wear the national jersey.
Some of the most iconic first-class tournaments include:
- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (Pakistan) – Since its start in 1953, this tournament has been the heartbeat of Pakistan’s domestic cricket. Regional and departmental teams battle it out over four intense days, producing Pakistan stars like Babar Azam and Younis Khan.
- Ranji Trophy (India) – Launched in 1934, this tournament is where Indian cricket legends are born. From Sachin Tendulkar’s magical batting to Rahul Dravid’s rock-solid technique, the Ranji Trophy has produced the giants of Indian cricket.
- Sheffield Shield (Australia) – The Sheffield Shield is the oldest domestic cricket tournament in Australia, having been established in 1892. In this tournament, six states take part. From Don Bradman to Steve Smith, this tournament has given world-class players to Australian test cricket who are beyond any other qualification.
Test Matches – The Real Test of Cricket
Duration: Up to 5 days (6 hours per day)
So, how long is a test cricket match? The answer is very straightforward: A Test match can continue for up to 5 days, with 90 overs scheduled per day, weather permitting. This is the only format in the world where even if the match is drawn, it feels like a victory, because Test cricket is about patience, skill, and mental toughness. A single session can change the entire match.
Test Match Records:
- Highest Runs in an Innings: Brian Lara scored 400* runs in a single innings against England in 2004.
- Most Wickets in Test Matches: Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record with 800 wickets in Test cricket.
- Fastest Test Century: Brendon McCullum scored a century in just 54 balls against Australia in 2016.
Unforgettable Test Moments:
- Brian Lara’s 400* Not Out: Brian Lara was the heartbeat of the West Indies cricket team, carrying them on his shoulders when it mattered most. A record-breaking innings against England in 2004 that still stands today.
Ben Stokes’ Miracle (Ashes 2019): The test match of the Ashes series was going on, and England needed to chase down a total of 359 runs. England had lost nine wickets, and the game was looking very difficult, but Ben Stokes not only scored 135* runs alone but also won the match for England by one wicket. This is considered the most emotional and thrilling victory of test cricket.
How Long Is a Cricket Match?
The duration of a cricket match depends on the format:
- T10 match: Around 90–100 minutes (10 overs per side).
- T20 match: About 3–4 hours (20 overs per side).
- The Hundred: Roughly 2.5 hours (100 balls per side).
- ODI match: Around 7–8 hours (50 overs per side).
- First-Class match: 3–4 days (6 hours of play per day).
- Test match: Up to 5 days (6 hours per day, 90 overs daily).
Every format has its own style — from the super-fast T10 games to the slow and smart battles of Test cricket.
What Affects the Duration of a Match?
Cricket’s timing isn’t set in stone. A few things can stretch or shorten a match:
- Weather: Rain delays are common, especially in ODIs and Tests.
- Slow Over Rates: Teams sometimes take longer to complete their overs, adding extra time.
- DLS Method: Rain-affected matches in ODIs and T20s often get recalculated.
- Innings Breaks & Timeouts: Limited-overs matches have small breaks that add up.
FAQs – How Long Is a Cricket Match?
Q1. How long is a T10 match?
About 90–100 minutes.
Q2. How long does a T20 match take?
Typically 3–4 hours.
Q3. How many hours is a single day of Test cricket?
Roughly 6 hours of play, divided into three sessions.
Q4. What’s the longest cricket format?
Test matches, which can last up to 5 days.
Q5. How long is an ODI?
Usually around 7–8 hours, including breaks.
Q6. What if rain interrupts a match?
The game can be shortened using the DLS method or rescheduled in knockout events.
Conclusion – The Beauty of Cricket’s Timings
So, how long is a cricket match? It depends on what you’re watching. Want a quick fix of sixes and wickets? T10 and T20 are perfect. If you prefer a full-day cricket experience, go for an ODI. But if you’re in the mood for a never-ending battle, where every session is a test of skill, patience, and mental toughness, then nothing beats the Test match, where every session tells a different story.
The beauty of cricket lies in its variety—no single format defines it. Next time someone asks you, “How long is a cricket match?” you can confidently say, “It’s not about the hours, it’s about the experience.”