Cricket terms.
Fantasy basics.

Quick answer: A useful fantasy-cricket decision starts with the contest rules, confirmed playing XI, player role and match conditions. The terms below explain the match language; they do not replace a contest scoring table. For a tournament-specific workflow, see our T20 World Cup fantasy cricket guide.

T20 match terms

Twenty20 (T20)

A limited-overs format in which each side usually bats for up to 20 overs, subject to the competition’s playing conditions.

Powerplay

The opening overs in which fielding restrictions apply. Exact restrictions are set by the playing conditions for the match.

Death overs

The closing overs of an innings, when batters often take more risks and bowlers focus on limiting boundary opportunities.

Playing XI

The eleven players selected to take part for a team. A squad announcement is not the same as a confirmed playing XI.

All-rounder

A player expected to contribute in more than one discipline, commonly batting and bowling. Actual opportunity depends on selection and match tactics.

Strike rate

For a batter, runs scored per 100 balls faced. It describes scoring pace, not the whole value of an innings.

Bowling economy

The average runs conceded per over. Compare it with the match situation, role and conditions rather than in isolation.

Dot ball

A delivery from which the batting side scores no runs. Its value depends on the phase, required rate and wickets in hand.

Toss

The pre-match choice that gives the toss-winning captain the option to bat or field first, subject to the competition format.

Match-up

A particular batter-versus-bowler or role-versus-condition pairing. A small sample alone does not guarantee the same outcome next time.

Fantasy cricket terms

Whether you are researching ICC T20 World Cup fantasy cricket or a regular league match, verify the platform rules before applying scoring assumptions.

Captain

A player assigned a special role in a fantasy lineup. Any multiplier or scoring effect is defined by the individual contest rules.

Vice-captain

A second designated player whose contest effect, if any, depends on the platform’s published rules.

Credits or budget

A selection limit used by some fantasy contests. Limits and player values vary by product; check the contest screen.

Contest scoring

The official mapping between real match events and fantasy points. Check how batting, bowling, fielding, milestones and penalties are counted.

What should I check in a scoring table?

Confirm whether the contest awards points for runs, boundaries, wickets, economy, catches, run-outs, milestones or penalties. Then check deductions, minimum participation requirements, captain effects and any tie-break rules. Never assume that two platforms use the same values.

Our fantasy scoring guide explains common categories without assigning universal point values. For a practical selection routine, follow the four-step team-building guide, then use the pitch guide and captain guide to assess context and role.

Sources and editorial approach

Definitions are general explanations of cricket language; a competition’s playing conditions take precedence wherever the wording differs. For current regulations, use the ICC rules and regulations library. Learn how DREM separates sourced facts from analysis in the editorial policy.