T20 Rules

Important T20 rules:

Powerplay: The 'powerplay' is six overs in a full match, during which a maximum of two fielders can remain outside the 30-yard circle, with two fielders besides the wicketkeeper in catching positions, that is in the close-in fielding positions like slips, silly point, short cover, etc (max 15 yards from the bat).

After 'powerplay, no fielders are required in 'catching positions' but only a maximum of five can be outside the 30-yard circle.

Also, 'powerplay' varies from just one over (in a five over match) to five (17-19 over match) in rain-affected games.

No ball: This is a major change from the traditional game, with two runs being awarded for front-foot no-balls with an additional 'free hit'. The 'free hit' is the ball following the no ball, on which the batsman can be out only in the number of ways on a no ball, i.e., run out, hitting the ball twice, obstructing the field or handling the ball.

Bowling limit: As in ODIs, players can bowl a maximum of one-fifth of the total overs, that is four in a full match of 20 overs per side.

Timed out: A batsman must be in a position to take guard within 90 seconds of the fall of a wicket or he will be timed out. This is two minutes in other forms of the game.

Tied matches: A tie will be broken with a bowl-out, the equivalent of a penalty shootout in football or hockey. Five bowlers from each side will bowl two deliveries each at the wickets with no batsman at the crease. If the number of wickets is equal after every pair of deliveries by a team, the shootout continues and finishes with a sudden-death, if need be.

Rain: A minimum of five overs each are enough to decide a match under the Duckworth and Lewis method.