Cricket

Cricket is a bat-and-ball team sport that originated in England and is played between two teams, each consisting of eleven players. The game takes place on a circular or oval-shaped field centered around a 22-yard-long pitch. Each team takes turns batting and fielding. The batting team aims to score runs by hitting a ball bowled at them with a bat, while the fielding team tries to dismiss the batters and limit the runs scored.

The game is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of Cricket. Matches can vary in format, ranging from traditional long form games known as Test matches, which can last up to five days, to shorter formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches, which are played over a single day or a few hours, respectively.

Cricket is known for its complex rules, strategies, and rich traditions, making it one of the most popular sports in countries such as India, Australia, England, and South Africa. The sport has a strong following globally and features prominent international competitions, including the Cricket World Cup and various international test series.