Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why can a cricket match end in a draw?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Jonny Bairstow of England, wearing a light blue uniform and helmet, batting during the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia, with two Australian fielders behind the stumps. — cricket Jonny Bairstow of England batting during a semifinal match against Australia at the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

It is a common misconception that a draw in cricket is the same as a tie. In cricket, a draw is a specific outcome distinct from a tie, which occurs when both teams finish with the exact same number of runs.

A cricket match is declared a draw when both teams are unable to complete their required number of innings within the prearranged time allotted for the match. Because cricket matches—particularly Test matches—are played over a fixed duration rather than a set number of balls, the failure to conclude the necessary innings before time expires results in this outcome.1

It is important to note that in certain tournament formats, such as the knockout stages of the Ranji Trophy, specific rules may be applied to determine a winner even if the match ends in a draw. In those instances, the team that achieved the higher score during the first innings is declared the winner.2