The 50 overs in an ODI inning are divided into three powerplays, P1, P2, and P3. To really understand cricket, you need to know what a powerplay is, the rules behind it, and how it works. Read on to learn more about powerplay in ODI.
Table of Contents
Powerplay in Cricket ODI: Overview
|
Fielding Restrictions First Introduced |
1992 |
|
Term Powerplay |
2005 |
| Total Powerplay in ODI |
3 |
| Overs for 1st Powerplay in ODI |
1st to 10th Over |
| Overs for 2nd Powerplay in ODI |
11th to 40th Over |
| Overs for 3rd Powerplay in ODI |
41st to 50th Over |
| Number of Fielders Outside 30 Yard (1st Powerplay) |
2 |
| Number of Fielders Outside 30 Yard (2nd Powerplay) |
4 |
| Number of Fielders Outside 30 Yard (3rd Powerplay) |
5 |
| Highest powerplay score in ODI |
121 (by England) |
What Is Powerplay in ODI Cricket?
Powerplay in ODI cricket refers to the rules about fielding. It covers how many fielders will be able to stay outside the 30-yard circle during the match. The powerplay rules only apply to limited-overs cricket. In Test cricket, the bowling team is free to set their fielders wherever they want. That is not the case in ODIs and T20s.
ODI powerplay is divided into three phases. The first phase runs actively during the first 10 overs. The second phase is from the 11th to the 40th over. The last phase remains active from the 41st to the 50th over.
Importance of Powerplay in ODI Overs
Powerplay in ODI overs is important because it creates a balance between batting and bowling. In the first 10 overs, batsmen try to score fast with fewer fielders outside. At the same time, bowlers look for early wickets and set the tone for the match. In the middle overs, both teams play with control.
The third powerplay is active during the slog overs. In this stage, batsmen usually try to score as many runs as possible by hitting big shots. To counter this attacking style, the bowling team is allowed to place up to five fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
Powerplay Rules in ODI
|
Powerplay |
Overs | Total Duration |
Fielding Restrictions |
| 1st Powerplay |
1-10 |
10 overs |
Maximum 2 Fielders Outside the 30 Yard Circle |
|
2nd Powerplay |
11-40 | 30 Overs |
Maximum 4 Fielders Outside the 30 Yard Circle |
|
3rd Powerplay |
41-50 |
10 Overs |
Maximum 5 Fielders Outside the 30 Yard Circle |
Understanding ODI Powerplay Rules
The powerplay rules in ODI cricket are simple and basic. The ODI match is 50 overs long. This is divided into three sections: the first 10 overs, the middle 30 overs, and the last 10 overs. Each section has a different powerplay. The first 10 overs are called Powerplay 1 (P1), the middle 30 overs are Powerplay 2 (P2), and the last 10 overs are Powerplay 3 (P3).
Cricket Fielding Restrictions Explained
Each powerplay in ODI cricket has a different rule for how many fielders can stand outside the 30-yard circle (27 metres). In the first 10 overs, known as Powerplay 1, only two fielders are allowed outside the circle. Between overs 11 and 40, which is Powerplay 2 in ODI, a maximum of four fielders can be placed outside. In the final 10 overs, called Powerplay 3 in ODI (aka last powerplay in ODI), up to five fielders are allowed outside the circle.
Mandatory Powerplay in Cricket
In today’s time, powerplay 1 2 3 in ODI are all mandatory. But this was not always the case. Back in 2005, when ICC first introduced the powerplay system for fielding restrictions, only the first 10 overs were a mandatory powerplay.
In 2008, things were revised. Now there was a new type of powerplay called the batting power play. It was optional for the batting team. Then, in 2011, ICC made another amendment. According to it, the batting and the bowling powerplay in ODI must be taken between 16 to 36 overs, without overlapping.
Finally, in 2015, the ICC simplified the system. The 50 overs were permanently divided into three fixed powerplays. So now, a fixed powerplay rule in ODI works for every match.
Powerplay Overs in ODI
| Phase | Overs Covered | Rules | Usual Team Approach |
| Powerplay 1 (P1) | 1–10 | Only 2 fielders outside the circle | Batters attack early; bowlers hunt for quick wickets |
| Powerplay 2 (P2) | 11–40 | 4 fielders allowed outside | Steady scoring, strike rotation, and run control |
| Powerplay 3 (P3) | 41–50 | 5 fielders outside | Slog overs: big shots vs smart death bowling |
Batting Powerplay in ODI
Since 2015, there is no special rule called the batting powerplay in ODIs. But most people still think of the first powerplay (overs 1–10) as the one that favors the batsman. In this stage, only two fielders are allowed outside the circle. So, this leaves more gaps to hit boundaries. That is why openers often take risks to score quick runs in this phase.
Role of Batting Powerplay Overs
The role of powerplay overs for batting changes as the match goes on. In the first powerplay (1–10), batsmen usually attack and look for quick runs. In the second powerplay (11–40), the job is to keep the scoreboard moving. The batters do so by rotating strike. In the third powerplay (41–50), batsmen switch to full attack. They try to hit as many boundaries as possible in the death overs.
ODI Opening Batsmen Strategy
The powerplay system in ODI has surely increased the overall responsibility on the opening batsmen. They look to play attacking during the first 10 overs and set a tone for the match. At the same time, they cannot throw away their wickets too cheaply. This is because losing early wickets will put the middle order under pressure.
Run Rate in ODI Powerplay
The run rate in powerplay overs has a big effect on the rest of the match. If the batting side scores quickly in the first 10 overs, they build momentum. But if they lose too many wickets, the run rate slows down, and the batting team may struggle later.
Bowling Tactics in Powerplay
In the first 10 overs, it is hard to bowl with only two fielders outside. But, as the batters look to attack, bowlers can take early wickets. In the middle overs (11–40), bowlers try to control the game by bowling tightly and not giving easy runs. In the last 10 overs, more fielders are allowed outside. So bowlers use yorkers and slower balls to stop boundaries and grip the game.
First 10 Overs Strategy in ODI
In the first 10 overs, batters try to score quickly with only two fielders outside the circle. They look to give the team a strong and fast start. Since batters attack more in this phase, bowlers also get more chances to take wickets. Also, during the first 10 overs, the ball swings more. Bowlers try to capitalize on that.
Wickets and Impact in Powerplay Overs
- A solid start without losing wickets gives the batting side momentum. So, early wickets in powerplay put pressure on the batting team.
- Losing top order batsmen makes it hard to build a big score.
- Bowlers gain confidence and control the match when they strike early.
How Wickets in Powerplay Overs Change the Game
- Early wickets can slow down the run rate as new batters need time to settle.
- Losing key players early can weaken the middle order.
- Bowlers attacking in powerplay can shift the momentum of the match. In most cases, when a team loses too many wickets in the powerplay, they lose the match.
Impact of Powerplay on Match Result
The powerplay in ODI match has a huge effect on the outcome. For the batting side, the first 10 overs are a golden chance. They can score quickly. If the top-order stays at the crease without losing many wickets, the team can control the middle overs, slog in the last 10 overs, and score big runs.
For the bowling side, when they take wickets in the first 10 overs, the batting team gets under pressure. In the middle overs, tight bowling will control runs. In the last 10 overs, yorkers and slower balls can stop boundaries and keep the target well within reach.
Final Words
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FAQs
How many powerplay in ODI?
There are three powerplays in ODI cricket. Powerplay 1, Powerplay 2, and Powerplay 3.
How many overs in powerplay in ODI?
Powerplay in ODI cricket is divided into three phases and the entire 50 overs. Powerplay 1 is active from 1st to 10th over. 2nd powerplay in ODI is active from 11th to 40th over. 3rd powerplay in ODI is active from the 41st to the 50th over.
What is powerplay in ODI?
Powerplay in cricket refers to a set of rules that defines how fielding restrictions work in limited overs cricket. In ODIs, there are three powerplays in total.
What is powerplay 3 in ODI?
Powerplay 3 in ODI is a powerplay that runs active during the final 10 overs in the game (from 41st over to 50th over). During this period, the bowling team can keep a maximum of 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
What is powerplay 2 in ODI?
Powerplay 2 in ODI is the middle overs powerplay. It runs actively from 11th over to 40th over. During this period, the bowling team can keep a maximum of 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
When was powerplay introduced in ODI cricket?
The rules for fielding restrictions in cricket were first introduced in 1992. However, it was named Powerplay by the ICC in the year 2005.
What is the powerplay rules in ODI cricket?
The powerplay rule in ODI is that two fielders, four fielders, and five fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle for the first 10 overs, the middle 30 overs, and the last 10 overs, respectively.
How long is powerplay in ODI?
The first powerplay and the last powerplay in ODI last for 10 overs each. The second powerplay is the longest. It lasts for 30 overs.
How powerplay works in ODI?
In ODIs, powerplay means overs with fielding restrictions. The first 10 overs allow only two fielders outside the circle, then four till the 40th over, and five in the last 10.
When does powerplay end in ODI?
The first powerplay ends with the end of the 10th over. The second powerplay ends with the end of the 40th over. The third powerplay ends with the end of the 50th over.
What is P1, P2 and P3 in ODI?
In ODI cricket, P1, P2, and P3 refer to the first powerplay, second powerplay, and the third powerplay, respectively.
What are the three powerplays in ODI?
The three powerplays in ODI cricket are the first powerplay, the second powerplay, and the third powerplay. They run actively from 1st to 10th over, 11th to 40th over, and 41st to 50th over respectively.
What’s the difference between powerplay 1&2?
During powerplay 1, the fielding team can keep two players outside the 30-yard circle at most. On the other hand, during powerplay 2, a maximum of 4 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
Which team scored most runs in powerplay in ODI?
England has scored most runs in powerplay in ODI in 2025. They scored 121 runs in the first 10 overs against the West Indies.