1. Introduction

Refer to the Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition Rules and Senior playing conditions with the exception of the following conditions:  

1.1 Interstate Players 

1.1.1  A Grade and Women’s Div 1 T20 teams may include a maximum of six (6) and three (3) interstate players in their playing XII and XI respectively.

1.1.2  Interstate players are ineligible to play in Women's Div 2.  

1.2 Finals Eligibility 

1.2.1  To be eligible for A Grade T20 Finals, a player must have played in at least 3 playing days of that grade 

1.2.2  To be eligible for Women’s Div 1 & 2 Finals, a player must have played 50% or more playing days in that grade.  

 

 

A. PLAYING CONDITIONS – T20 MATCHES 

Playing conditions to be used for T20 matches in A Grade, Women's Div 1,2 D and Sunday Grades

2. Duration

2.1  The match will consist of one innings per side, each innings being limited to a maximum of 20 overs. 

2.2  The overs to be bowled in the match shall be based on a rate of 4 minutes per over. 

2.3  A minimum of 5 overs per team shall constitute a match. 

2.4  Number of Players 

2.4.1  Teams can field 12 players for an A Grade T20 match 

2.4.2  Teams can field 11 players for Women’s, C, D and Sunday Grade T20 matches 

2.5  Interval Between Innings 

2.5.1  The interval between innings shall be 20 minutes. 

2.5.2  If the innings of the team batting first is completed prior to the scheduled time for the Interval, the Interval shall take place immediately and the Innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier. 

2.5.3  In circumstances where the side bowling first has not completed the allotted number of overs by the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the first innings, the umpires shall reduce the length of the interval by the amount of time that the first innings overran. The minimum time for the interval will be 10 minutes. 

2.5.4  On all occasions where play is delayed or interrupted the Umpires will reduce the length of the Interval to 10 minutes. 

2.6  Intervals for Drinks 

2.6.1  No drinks intervals are permitted. 

2.7  Extra Time 

2.7.1  No extra time shall be permitted to make up for any time lost. 

 

3. Length of Innings

3.1  In uninterrupted match (ie. The match is neither delayed nor interrupted): 

3.1.1  Each team shall bat for 20 overs unless all out earlier. 

3.1.2  If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled and Playing Condition 12 shall apply. 

3.1.3  If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 20 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 20 overs. 

3.1.4  If the team fielding second fails to bowl 20 overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the second innings, the hours of play for the match shall, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result has been achieved and Playing Condition 12 shall apply. 

3.2  In Delayed or Interrupted Match: 

3.2.1  Delay or interruptions to the innings of the team batting first:

3.2.1.1  When playing time has been lost (see above) the revised number of further overs to be bowled in the match shall be based on a rate of 4 minutes per over in the total remaining time available for play. When calculating the length of remaining playing time available for the match the duration of the interval between innings will be taken into account. 

3.2.1.2  Should calculations regarding numbers of overs result in a fraction of an over, the fraction shall be ignored. In the event of a suspension occurring in the middle of an over, the number of total overs to be bowled in the match will be calculated as if the over in progress at the time of the interruption had been completed. The innings of the team batting first will continue from the point of the interruption. 

3.2.1.3  The revision of the number of overs should ensure, whenever possible, that both teams have the opportunity to bat for the same number of overs. (Where this is possible, if the total number of overs in the match thereby calculated results in an odd number of total overs in the match, then one over shall be added and the new total divided in half). 

3.2.1.4  The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the first team unless the latter completed its innings in less than its allocated overs. 

3.2.1.5  To constitute a match, a minimum of 5 overs has to be bowled to the side batting second, subject to the innings not being completed earlier. 

3.2.1.6  A fixed time will be specified for the commencement of the interval, and also the close of play for the match, by applying a rate of 4 mins per over in respect of each over already bowled and/or scheduled to be bowled in each innings. All relative delays, interruptions in play, and the duration of the interval will be taken into account. 

3.2.1.7  If this calculation produces a close of play time that is earlier than the original time for cessation of play on the final scheduled day for play, then one additional over should be allocated to each team, with the interval and close of play times being recalculated accordingly. 

3.2.1.8  If there is more than one interruption to the innings of the side batting first, the above calculations should always be based on the original scheduled close of play, rather than the rescheduled close resulting from the previous interruption. 

3.2.1.9  If the team fielding first fails to bowl the revised number of overs by the specified time, play shall continue subject to conditions of ground, weather and light until the required number of overs has been bowled or the innings is completed, and Playing Condition 12 shall apply. In all reduced overs matches both teams will be given one over's leeway in addition to any time that the Umpires might allow for stoppages. Allowances prior to a stoppage are carried forward for the purposes of the application of Playing Condition 12 only - they do not influence the recalculated number of overs or the scheduled close of either innings. 

3.2.2  Delay or interruptions to the innings of the team batting second: 

3.2.2.1  When playing time has been lost (see above) and, as a result, it is not possible for the team batting second to have the opportunity of receiving its allocated, or revised allocation of overs in the playing time available, the number of overs shall be reduced at a rate of 4 mins per over in respect of the aggregated lost playing time. However, should the innings of the team batting first have been completed prior to the scheduled, or rescheduled time for the commencement of the interval, then any calculation relating to the revision of overs shall not be effective until an amount of time equivalent to that by which the second innings started early has elapsed. 

3.2.2.2  Should the calculations result in a fraction of an over the fraction shall be ignored. In the event of a suspension occurring in the middle of an over, the number of total overs lost will be calculated as above and the innings of the team batting second will continue from the point of the interruption. 

3.2.2.3  A rescheduled time for the close of play will be fixed by applying a rate of 4 minutes per over in respect of each over already bowled and/or re-scheduled to be bowled in the innings. (The timing and duration of all relative delays and interruptions in play with respect to the second innings will be taken into account in specifying this time.) This calculation must not cause the match to finish earlier than the original time for cessation of play on the final scheduled day for play. If required the original time shall be extended to allow for one extra over for the team batting second. 

3.2.2.4  To constitute a match, a minimum of 5 overs have to be bowled to the team batting second subject to the innings not being completed earlier. The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the first team unless the latter completed its innings in less than its allocated overs. 

3.2.2.5  If the team fielding second fails to bowl the revised overs by the scheduled or re-scheduled close of play, the hours of play shall be extended subject to conditions of ground, weather and light until the overs have been bowled or a result achieved, and Playing Condition 12 shall apply. In all reduced overs matches the fielding team will be given one over's leeway in addition to any time that the Umpires might allow for stoppages. Allowances prior to a stoppage are carried forward for the purposes of the application of Playing Condition 12 only - they do not influence the recalculated number of overs or the scheduled close of play. 

 

4. Target Score

4.1  Refer to 2.4 of the senior competition playing conditions. 

 

5. The Ball

5.1  Only white balls as approved by the Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition will be used. 

5.2  156 grams for Senior T20 matches and 142 grams for Women’s T20 matches. 

 

6. Restrictions on the Placement of Fielders (A Grade and B Grade)

6.1  At the instant of delivery there shall not be more than five (5) fielders on the leg side. 

6.2  For the first 6 overs (overs 1 – 6) only of each innings, only two (2) fielders are permitted to be outside the fielding restriction circle. 

6.3  For the remaining overs of each innings only five fielders are permitted to be outside the fielding circle at the instant of delivery. 

6.4  Restrictions on the Placement of Fielders (Women’s T20) 

6.4.1  At the instant of delivery there shall not be more than five (5) fielders on the leg side 

6.4.2  During the first six (6) overs of each innings, only two (2) fielders are permitted to be within 15 meters of the boundary markers at the instant of delivery. 

6.4.3  For the remaining overs of each innings, only five (5) fielders are permitted to be within 15 metres of the boundary markers at the instant of delivery.

6.5  Fielding Restrictions for T20 Matches in C, D, Sunday 1, Sunday 2 and Sunday 3. 

6.5.1  Above Rule 7.2 will not apply, however a maximum of five fielders are permitted to be within 15 metres of the boundary markers at the instant of delivery. 

6.6  Team Batting First 

6.6.1  In circumstances where the number of overs for the team batting first is reduced, the number of overs in regard to the restrictions in 7.2 above shall be reduced proportionately in a ratio of 6:20 (30%) in accordance with the table below for that innings only. 

6.6.2  Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations re the number of overs. (If on resumption the number of overs for fielding restrictions has already been exceeded this should take effect immediately) 

Total Overs in Innings	No. of Overs for which Fielding Restrictions in 7.2 and 7.4.2 Above Will Apply
5-6	1
7-9	2
10-13	3
14-16	4
17-19	5
20	6

 

6.6.3  Where the number of overs for the team batting second is reduced the aim will be to maintain the restrictions in 7.2 and 7.4 for the same proportion of the second innings that they were maintained for the first innings (fractions to be ignored). 

6.7  Team Batting Second 

6.7.1  Where the number of overs for the team batting second is reduced the aim will be to maintain the restrictions in 7.2 for the same proportion of the second innings that they were maintained for the first innings (fractions to be ignored). 

 

7. Number of Overs Per Bowler

7.1  No bowler may bowl more than four overs, however in a delayed start or interrupted match, where the overs are reduced for both sides or for the side bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed (unless such a number has been exceeded before the interruption), except that where the total overs are not divisible by five, an additional over shall be allowed to the minimum number of bowlers necessary to make up the balance. - e.g. after 8 overs, rain interrupts play and the innings is reduced to 12 overs. Both opening bowlers have bowled 4 overs. Two bowlers can bowl 3 overs and three bowlers can bowl 2. Bowlers 1 and 2 have already exceeded this limit. They count as the two bowlers who were allowed the extra over (3 as opposed to 2) and so any other bowlers are limited to 2 overs.  

7.2  When an interruption occurs mid-over and on resumption the bowler has exceeded the new maximum allocation, he will be allowed to finish the incomplete over. 

7.3  In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls will be bowled by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler's limit is concerned. 

7.4  The number of overs bowled by each individual bowler shall be indicated on the scoreboard from the commencement of an innings. 

 

8. Fast Short-Pitched Delivery

8.1  A bowler shall be allowed to bowl one, fast short-pitched delivery per over.   

 

9. Free Hit After a No Ball

9.1  The delivery following a no ball shall be a free hit for whichever batter is facing it. If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or a wide ball), then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batter is facing it. 

9.2  For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball. 

9.3  Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of striker (the provisions of clause 41.2 shall apply) 

9.4  The bowler’s end umpire will signal a free hit by (after the normal No Ball signal) extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion. 

 

10. Law 40 - Timed Out

10.1  Law 40 will apply except that the incoming batsman must be in position to take guard or for his partner to be ready to receive the next ball within 1 minute 30 seconds of the fall of the previous wicket. The incoming batter is expected to be ready to make his way to the wicket immediately a wicket falls and is expected to jog to the wicket. 

 

11. Over-Rate Penalties

11.1  Each side whilst fielding is expected to have completed their 20th over within 1 hr 20 minutes playing time. The fielding side shall be in position to bowl the first ball of the final over of the innings inside 76 minutes. In the event of them failing to do so, team will be penalised by having a fielder taken off the field until the allocated number of overs are finished. 

11.2  If the innings is terminated before the scheduled or rescheduled cut-off time, no over-rate penalty shall apply. If the innings is interrupted, the over-rate penalty will apply based on the re-scheduled cessation time for that innings The Umpire shall inform the fielding team Captain when taking the field for the first time and on every subsequent occasion if play is interrupted by the weather, the scheduled cessation time for that innings. The Umpire at the bowler's end will inform the fielding Captain, the batsman and his fellow Umpire of any time allowances as and when they arise. (This matter will not be subject to retrospective negotiation). 

11.3  Over-rate penalties apply only to innings of 10 overs or more duration. In innings of less than 10 overs duration, Umpires shall apply the penalty run Laws for time wasting especially strictly. This is the only penalty for a slow over-rate.  

 

12. Tie Result in Final

12.1  In the event of a tie, a Super Over is to be played 

 

13. Super Over

13.1  Subject to ground, weather or light conditions the Super Over will take place on the scheduled day of the match at a time to be determined by the Umpires. In normal circumstances it shall commence 10 minutes after the conclusion of the match. The interval between innings shall be 5 minutes. 

13.2  30 minutes of extra time (taken from the start of the Super Over) is allocated to complete the Super Over. Should play be delayed prior to or during the Super Over, once the playing time lost exceeds the 30 minutes, the Super Over shall be abandoned. 

13.3  The Super Over will take place on the pitch allocated for the match (the designated pitch). 

13.4  The umpires shall stand at the same end as they stood during the match. 

13.5  In both innings of the Super Over, the fielding side shall choose which end to bowl from. Whilst neither team is required to nominate either the batsmen or bowlers prior to each innings, once the opening batting pair enters the field of play they are not permitted to be changed. Similarly, once a determination is made by the bowling team as to which end they will bowl from and the opening batsmen take their respective positions at each end of the pitch, they are not permitted to change ends. For clarity, this playing condition is designed to ensure that the fielding side may determine its bowling strategies based on which batsmen are opening, and then the batsmen can choose ends based on the bowling strategies. 

13.6  The nominated players in the main match shall participate in the Super Over. Should any player (including the batsmen and bowler) be unable to continue to participate in the Super Over due to injury, illness or other wholly acceptable reasons, the Laws and Playing Conditions for the main match shall apply. 

13.7  Each team’s over is played with the same fielding restrictions as apply for the last over in the match. 

13.8  The team batting second in the match will bat first in the Super Over. 

13.9  The officiating umpires will select 2 (two) identical balls for each team to use during the super over, for clarification these balls are around 15 overs each old. If the ball needs to be changed during the Super Over, then the Playing Conditions for the main match shall apply. The ball to be used is at the discretion of the officiating Umpires. 

13.10  Each team shall bat for one over unless all out earlier. 3 (wickets in the super over constitute a team being all out) 

13.11  In the event of the teams having the same score after the Super Over has been completed, if the original match was a tie under the D/L method, see 14.13 below immediately applies. Otherwise, the team whose batters hit the most number of boundaries combined from its two innings in both the main match and the Super Over shall be the winner. 

13.12  If the number of boundaries hit by both teams is equal, the team whose batters scored more boundaries during its innings in the main match (ignoring the Super Over) shall be the winner. 

13.13  If still equal, a count-back from the final ball of the Super Over shall be conducted. The team with the higher scoring delivery shall be the winner. If a team loses all wickets during its over, then any un-bowled deliveries will be counted as dot balls. Note that for this purpose, the runs scored from a delivery is defined as the total team runs scored since the completion of the previous legitimate ball, i.e. including any runs resulting from a Wide ball, a No ball or penalty runs. 

 

B. PLAYING CONDITIONS - PAIRS CRICKET 

 Playing conditions to be used for Pairs T20 matches in Women's Div 2

14. Match

14.1  Each match is played between two teams of ten (10) players and consist of twenty (20) six ball overs.

15. Ball

15.1  Only white 142g balls approved by the Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition will be used. 

16. Field

16.1  Pitch length is 20.1 meters.

16.2  Boundary size is 50-55 meters from the pitch. 

17. Modes of Dismissal

17.1  All modes of dismissals are permitted.

18. Batting

18.1  Batters are put in pairs, with each pair batting for four (4) overs.

18.2  Batters will swap ends if dismissed at the striker's end.

18.3  Wickets are recorded on the batting scoresheet; however, the batter stays in for their allotted overs.

18.4  For each wicket taken, the bowling team receives three (3) bonus runs.

19. Bowling

19.1  There is a maximum of six (6) balls in an over.

19.2  No-Ball

19.2.1  A No-Ball shall be counted as two (2) extra runs to the batting team;

19.2.2  The ball is not re-bowled except in the last over of an innings.

19.3  Bowling end changes after every four (4) overs.

19.4  Wide

19.4.1  A wide shall be counted as two (2) extra runs to the batting team;

19.4.2  The ball is not re-bowled except in the last over of an innings.

19.5  No bowler may bowl more than four (4) overs.

20. Fielding

20.1  Teams can field with a maximum of ten (10) players at any one time.

20.2  Subs can come onto the field at any time at the end of the over (discretion of the umpire).

20.3  At the instant of the delivery there shall not be more than five (5) fielders on the leg side.

21. Match Result

21.1  The team with the highest score at the end of the match will be declared the winner. 

21.2  If the scores are equal, the team losing the least number of wickets will be declared the winner.