Cricket fans hear the term ‘net run rate’ a lot during multinational cricket events, ICC tournaments, and T20 leagues. All the events these days have jam-packed calendars and hence keeping the reserve days for tie-breakers is next to impossible for the organizers.
Hence, the net run rate is the method that is primarily used these days to separate the teams that are level on points. Even during the IPL, every team try to maintain a positive net run rate as in the end, it plays a major role in qualification for the playoffs.
However, the confusion regarding the net run rate is always there as the majority of the fans don’t know how to calculate it. Hence, in this post, we will explain how to calculate the net run rate.
What is the net run rate in IPL?
Before getting into any mathematical equation, firstly, we must understand what is the net run rate. If we simplify the process, it is nothing but a difference between the average run rates at which a team has scored runs while batting and conceded runs while bowling. When we speak about it theoretically, it might look a bit complicated but in reality, it is pretty simple to understand. Let’s try to understand it through an example.
How is the net run rate calculated for a particular team?
Let’s make things easier with an example: Let’s say Chennai Super Kings meet Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener of the IPL 2022. Batting first, Chennai Super Kings posted 131/5 in 20 overs. Their run rate of the innings is 6.55.
Now, Kolkata Knight Riders completed the chase and won the game by scoring 133/4 in 18.3 overs. The run rate of their innings is 7.26.
The difference between KKR’s run rate and CSK’s run rate is 7.26 – 6.55 = 0.71. Hence, the winning team Kolkata Knight Riders will have a net run rate of +0.71, while the losing side Chennai Super Kings will have a net run rate of -0.71.
The formula to calculate the net run rate is –
Net Run Rate = Run Rate For – Run Rate Against
Where, Run Rate For = Runs scored by the team/Total number of overs played
Run Rate Against = Runs scored by the opposition/Total number of overs played
Note: If a team gets all-out without playing their full overs, the full overs will be used to calculate the net run rate instead of the number of overs played.
For example: If Chennai Super Kings are dismissed for 89 runs in 17 overs, full 20 overs will be used to calculate the net run rate instead of 17 overs.
However, if a team completes the chase earlier than their full quota, the number of overs taken in the chase will be used to calculate the net run rate.
For example: If Chennai Super Kings complete the chase of 160 runs in 18.1 overs then only 18.1 overs will be used to calculate the net run rate instead of the full 20 overs.
