CricPulse
Par Score Calculator
See what a competitive score looks like at every phase of the innings based on historical averages for T20, ODI, and T10.
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What Is a Par Score in Cricket?
A par score is the average first-innings total at a given point in the match for a particular format. It represents a competitive score that gives the batting side a roughly 50% chance of winning.
Par Scores by Format
Par scores vary significantly by format, era, and conditions:
- T10: Par is around 110-120. Scores above 130 are very strong.
- T20 International: Par is around 160-170. Scores above 180 are formidable.
- T20 Franchise (IPL/BBL): Par is around 165-175 depending on the venue.
- ODI: Par is around 270-290. Scores above 300 are very competitive.
Understanding Phases of an Innings
Limited-overs innings are divided into distinct phases:
T20 Phases
- Powerplay (1-6): Only 2 fielders outside the circle. Run rate typically 7.5-8.5.
- Middle Overs (7-15): Consolidation phase. Run rate typically 7.0-8.0.
- Death Overs (16-20): Aggression phase. Run rate typically 9.0-11.0.
ODI Phases
- Powerplay 1 (1-10): Only 2 fielders outside. Run rate typically 5.0-6.0.
- Middle Overs (11-40): 4 fielders allowed outside. Run rate typically 5.0-5.5.
- Death Overs (41-50): Acceleration phase. Run rate typically 7.0-9.0.
Factors That Affect Par Scores
- Pitch conditions: Flat pitches raise par; green or turning pitches lower it.
- Ground size: Smaller grounds have higher par scores.
- Wickets in hand: More wickets lost lowers the expected final total.
- Dew factor: In day-night matches, dew can favor the chasing team.
- Quality of bowling: Facing a strong attack lowers realistic par.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a par score in T20 cricket? +
Roughly 160-170 in international T20s and 165-175 in franchise leagues like the IPL or BBL, depending heavily on the venue — scores above 180 are generally considered formidable.
How does losing wickets affect the par score? +
Each wicket lost lowers the realistic final total, since fewer wickets in hand generally means less scope to accelerate in the closing overs — this calculator adjusts the par total down for every wicket you enter as already lost.
Why is the par score different in the powerplay versus the death overs? +
Fielding restrictions during the powerplay (only two fielders outside the circle) generally produce a higher run rate early on, while the death overs see batters take more risk against a spread field — both phases typically run faster than the calmer middle overs.
Does par score account for pitch and ground conditions? +
Not directly — this calculator uses historical-average par figures by format and phase. Actual par on the day varies with pitch behaviour, ground size, dew, and the quality of the bowling attack faced, none of which can be measured from format alone.
Is a T10 par score simply a T20 par score scaled down? +
No — T10's much higher run rate (par is typically 110-120 in just 10 overs) reflects that batters have far less time to build an innings and attack far earlier, so the scoring rate per over runs considerably higher than a straight T20 scale-down would suggest.
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