How Long Does a Cricket Match Last? Complete Duration Guide for Every Format

Cricket is one of the few sports where match duration varies dramatically depending on the format. Some matches finish in just a few hours, while others can last up to five days. If you’ve ever wondered how long a cricket match last, the answer depends on whether you’re watching a T20, ODI, Test match, or newer formats like The Hundred.

Understanding the duration of a cricket match helps fans plan their viewing, follow match strategy, and appreciate the unique rhythm of each format. In this complete 2026 guide, you’ll learn exactly how long a cricket game is, what affects match length, and how different formats compare.

How Long Does a Cricket Match Last?

In 2026, the duration of a cricket match typically falls into one of four categories based on its format. While these are averages, factors like Super Overs or rain delays can extend these windows.

• T20 Match: Lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours.
• ODI Match: Lasts around 7 to 8 hours.
• Test Match: Lasts up to 5 days (approx. 6–7 hours of play per day).

Note: A standard T20 match in 2026 typically starts and finishes within a 4-hour broadcast window, making it the most fan-friendly format for a quick evening out.

How Long Does a T20 Cricket Match Last?

The Twenty20 (T20) format is designed for speed. Since its explosion in popularity, it has become the standard for domestic leagues like the IPL and international tournaments. A T20 match usually lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes.

T20 Match Time Breakdown

The pacing of a T20 is governed by strict ICC rules to ensure games don’t bleed into late-night hours:

• First Innings: 85 minutes (1 hour and 25 minutes).
• Innings Break: 15–20 minutes (World Cup matches often use a 20-minute interval for broadcast analysis).
• Second Innings: 85 minutes.
• Strategic Time-outs: Typically, two breaks of 2.5 minutes per innings in leagues like the IPL.

Why T20 Matches Finish in 3 Hours

The primary reason for the short duration is the 20-over-per-side limit. With only 120 legal balls to face, batters are aggressive from the first delivery. Furthermore, umpires strictly enforce over rates. If a fielding team takes too long to finish their overs, they are penalized by having to bring an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle for the final overs.

How Long Does a One-Day (ODI) Match Last?

One-Day Internationals (ODIs) are the middle ground of cricket. They provide enough time for a tactical build-up but still guarantee a result within a single day. An ODI match typically lasts 7.5 to 8 hours.

ODI Match Time Structure

An ODI consists of 50 overs per side. The day is usually split into two major blocks:

• 50 Overs (Session 1): Roughly 3.5 hours.
• Innings Break: 40 to 45 minutes. It is usually during lunch or dinner breaks, depending on the start time.
• 50 Overs (Session 2): Roughly 3.5 hours.

Factors That Extend ODI Match Duration

While 8 hours is the standard, several modern elements can push the finish time:

• DRS Reviews: Player reviews for LBW or catches can add 2–3 minutes per referral.
• Rain Interruptions: If rain stops play, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is used to reduce overs and calculate a new target, often shortening the game.
• Slow Over Rates: If bowlers take too long between deliveries, the game can easily stretch to 9 hours.

How Long Does a Test Cricket Match Last?

Test cricket is the ultimate endurance version of the sport. Unlike the white-ball formats, a Test match can last five consecutive days. Each day consists of 90 scheduled overs of play.

Test Match Daily Playing Hours

A typical day of Test cricket is divided into three distinct two-hour sessions:

1. Morning Session: 2 Hours of play.
2. Lunch Break: 40 Minutes.
3. Afternoon Session: 2 Hours of play.
4. Tea Break: 20 Minutes.
5. Evening Session: 2 Hours of play.

If 90 overs aren’t completed within these six hours, play can be extended by an extra 30 minutes to make up the quota.

Why Test Matches Last 5 Days

Test matches allow each team to bat two innings. It means a team must be bowled out twice (20 wickets total) for a result to be reached. The length allows the pitch to deteriorate, cracking and wearing down, making batting harder on days 4 and 5 and leading to dramatic finishes.

Session Breakdown Table:| 

What Factors Can Increase Cricket Match Duration?

Several real-world factors can extend a cricket match.

Weather Delays

• Rain can stop play
• Wet pitch conditions delay the restart
• Reduced overs may still extend match time

Rain & DLS Method

• Duckworth-Lewis method adjustments
• Match recalculations
• Strategic delays

Slow Over Rate Penalties

• Teams are taking too long between deliveries
• Field changes and bowling delays

Super Overs

• Used in tied matches
• Adds extra time

Additional factors include:

• Player injuries
• DRS reviews
• Crowd interruptions
• Light conditions

These factors affect the total number of cricket match hours.

Cricket Match Duration Comparison (All Formats)

To help you choose which match to attend or watch, here is the definitive comparison for 2026.

Shortest and Longest Cricket Matches in History

Cricket history is full of anomalies: matches ended in a blink or lasted a literal week.

• The Shortest Test Match: In January 2024, India beat South Africa in a match that lasted only 642 balls (107 overs). The entire game lasted less than two days of actual playtime.
• The Longest Test Match: The Timeless Test between South Africa and England in 1939 lasted 9 days. It actually ended in a draw because the English team had to leave to catch their ship home!
• Shortest ODI: In 2020, Nepal bowled out the USA for just 35 runs. Nepal chased it down in 5.2 overs. The entire match lasted about 1 hour.

Conclusion

The length of a cricket match depends on your appetite for the game and how long a cricket match last. If you want a fast, explosive evening, T20 or The Test’s are your best bets. If you want a full day of tactical ebbs and flows, the ODI is the classic choice. For the purists who enjoy a story that develops over a week, nothing beats the five-day Test match.

FAQ’s