20/20 Cricket Rules

The game of 20/20 cricket--usually written as "twenty20"--is a popular and fast-paced version of the traditional game. It is played on regular cricket grounds, and utilizes many of the standard laws of cricket. Rule variations aim mostly to keep the game moving. This game was developed in the United Kingdom in 2003 following market research. The first International Cricket Council World Twenty20 tournament was held in 1997. The average game takes about three hours.

Matches

In all matches, there are 20 overs bowled per side in one 75-minute inning. Teams that fail to bowl the full amount are stung with a six-run penalty. This quota equates to an average of three minutes and 45 seconds per over, according to BBC Sport. Individual bowlers only are permitted to attain one-fifth of total overs per completed inning. Each side is required to face at least five overs for a match to stand.

Readiness

Batsmen are required to be ready to be in position at the bowler's end or take guard within 90 seconds of the time a wicket falls. Also, batsmen must be ready as soon as the bowler is. A batsman may be given a five-run penalty for "time-wasting" by the umpire.

Fielding

During the first six overs of a team's inning, only two fielders can be outside an inner circle.

No-Balls

When there's a "no-ball," it's worth two runs. The batsman also gets a free hit following a no-ball, according to the Top End Sports website. A "no-ball" is an improper delivery of the ball by the bowler to the batter.