Law 18
Scoring runs
A run is scored each time both batters cross and reach the other end safely while the ball is in play.
What you need to know
- Runs are also scored from boundaries and from penalty runs awarded by the umpires.
- Both batters must make good their ground — get their bat or body grounded behind the popping crease — at the end they are running to.
- A short run is one where a batter turns for another run without making their ground. The short run doesn't count, but the batters can keep running.
- Running short on purpose (pretending to have run a full run) is cheating: all runs from that ball are cancelled and the fielding side gets 5 penalty runs.
- Runs hit by the batter go to the batter. Byes, leg byes, wides, no-balls and penalty runs are extras — they count for the team but not the batter.
Examples
The batters run two, but one of them turns for the second without grounding their bat at the far end.
Only one run counts — the first run was short.
Batters deliberately run short to gain an advantage.
No runs from that ball, and 5 penalty runs to the fielding side.
Official source
Official source
MCC Laws of Cricket · 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026)
Law 18 — Scoring runs
Clauses 18.1, 18.3, 18.5
The Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026). Summary in Inswing's own words — follow the link for the official text.
Related: Boundaries · Bye & leg bye · Wide ball · No ball