Test vs ODI vs T20: Cricket Formats Explained

Updated: 28 October 2026 · Author: Cricket Match Scorecard Editorial

Editorial review: Draft — pending native-speaker review for translated versions

Cricket is played in several formats, and the format changes how much time teams have to build an innings. Test cricket allows multiple innings over several days, ODIs normally give each side 50 overs, and T20s normally give each side 20 overs. Those are standard formats; interruptions and competition-specific rules can change an individual match.

Test cricket

A standard Test is scheduled across up to five days and each side can have two innings, subject to the laws and the match situation. There is no fixed over limit for a normal innings.

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

An ODI is a limited-overs format. Under the standard format, each side is scheduled to face up to 50 overs. Teams normally have one innings each, and the result depends on the score comparison or a competition-specific method if the match is interrupted.

T20 cricket

A standard T20 match gives each side up to 20 overs. With fewer balls available, scoring pace and wicket timing become especially visible. Domestic T20 leagues and international T20 Internationals share the broad 20-over format, but the teams, competition rules and tournament structure differ.

Check today's matches at Today's Cricket Matches or explore IPL Today for T20 league coverage.