Economy Rate Impact in Cricket: How to Measure and Improve It

The economy rate is one of the most important bowling metrics in cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats like T20 and ODI cricket. A bowler’s economy rate measures how many runs they concede per over, and a lower economy rate reflects a bowler’s ability to control the opposition’s scoring rate. In this guide, we’ll explore how to calculate and interpret economy rate, why it’s crucial to match outcomes, and strategies to improve your economy rate as a bowler.

What Is Economy Rate in Cricket?

Economy rate measures the average number of runs a bowler concedes per over. It gives insight into how well a bowler is containing the opposition’s batsmen. A lower economy rate means the bowler is restricting scoring, while a higher economy rate indicates that the batsmen are scoring more freely against the bowler. The economy rate is a critical factor in both setting and defending totals in limited-overs cricket.

The formula to calculate the economy rate is:

For example, if a bowler concedes 40 runs in 8 overs, their economy rate would be:

This means the bowler concedes an average of 5 runs per over.

Why Is Economy Rate Important?

Economy rate is an essential bowling statistic in limited-overs cricket because it directly affects the opposition’s run rate and their ability to build a competitive total. Here’s why economy rate is so important:

• Limiting the Run Rate: A low economy rate limits the opposition’s ability to score quickly, increasing the pressure on their batsmen. This is especially valuable in T20 and ODI cricket, where teams aim to score at a high run rate to set or chase competitive totals.
• Controlling the Middle Overs: In ODIs and T20s, the middle overs are often the phase where teams look to accelerate their scoring. A bowler with a good economy rate can restrict runs during this period, reducing the opposition’s chances of posting a big total.
• Building Pressure: Bowlers who consistently deliver economical overs build pressure on the batsmen, forcing them to take risks to break the cycle of dot balls. This pressure often leads to mistakes and wicket opportunities.
• Impacting the Death Overs: In the final overs, bowlers with a low economy rate make it harder for the opposition to accelerate and score freely, which can be the difference between winning and losing close matches.

Use our Economy Rate Calculator to track your economy rate over multiple matches and compare your performance with other bowlers.

How to Calculate Economy Rate

Calculating economy rate requires knowing the total number of runs conceded and the total number of overs bowled. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Find the total number of runs conceded by the bowler in the innings.
2. Determine the total number of overs bowled by the bowler (including partial overs).
3. Use the formula: Economy Rate = Total Runs Conceded ÷ Overs Bowled.

Example:

If a bowler concedes 35 runs in 7.2 overs (7 overs and 2 balls), the economy rate would be:

This means the bowler concedes an average of 4.77 runs per over.

What Is a Good Economy Rate?

The standard for a good economy rate depends on the format of the game. Here are some general benchmarks for economy rates across different formats:

• T20 Cricket: In T20 matches, where the focus is on scoring quickly, an economy rate of 6.00 or lower is considered excellent. Bowlers who can keep their economy rate under 7.00 are usually very effective.
• ODI Cricket: In ODIs, a good economy rate is typically between 4.00 and 5.00 runs per over. Bowlers who consistently maintain an economy rate below 5.00 are considered highly economical.
• Test Cricket: In Test matches, where the game is played over longer periods, an economy rate of 2.50 or lower is generally considered very good. However, the economy rate is not as crucial in Tests as in limited-overs cricket, where run restriction is more critical.

Strategies to Improve Economy Rate

Improving your economy rate involves limiting the number of runs conceded while maintaining control over the batsmen. Here are some key strategies to lower your economy rate:

1. Bowl a Consistent Line and Length

Maintaining a consistent line and length is one of the most effective ways to control the opposition’s scoring rate. Bowlers should focus on hitting the top of off-stump or just outside off-stump, which forces the batsmen to play more defensively. By denying the batsmen easy scoring opportunities, bowlers can reduce the run rate.

2. Use Variations Wisely

Mixing up deliveries, such as slower balls, yorkers, and bouncers, can make it harder for batsmen to settle. Variations in pace and length can disrupt the batsman’s timing, forcing them to play less aggressive shots. By using these variations strategically, bowlers can prevent the opposition from scoring freely.

3. Set Smart Field Placements

Captains and bowlers should work together to set field placements that limit the opposition’s scoring options. Fielders should be positioned to cut off boundaries and stop singles, forcing the batsmen to take risks if they want to score. A well-placed field can reduce the number of runs conceded and help the bowler maintain a low economy rate.

4. Focus on Dot Balls

Delivering consecutive dot balls builds pressure on the batsmen and forces them to take risks. By focusing on dot ball pressure, bowlers can restrict the opposition’s scoring rate and increase the likelihood of wickets. Delivering more dot balls directly contributes to a lower economy rate.

5. Use Yorkers and Slower Balls in the Death Overs

In the final overs of an innings, where batsmen look to score quickly, yorkers and slower balls are particularly effective. Yorkers are hard to hit for boundaries, while slower balls can disrupt the batsman’s rhythm and timing. These deliveries help limit the number of runs conceded in the death overs, where maintaining a low economy rate is crucial.

Track your dot ball efficiency using our Dot Ball Pressure Calculator to see how dot balls contribute to lowering your economy rate.

Economy Rate in Different Match Phases

Economy rate can vary depending on the phase of the match. Here’s how it impacts different stages of the game:

Powerplay (First 6 Overs in T20)

In the powerplay, where only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, maintaining a low economy rate is challenging. Bowlers who can limit scoring in this phase without conceding too many boundaries give their team a strong start.

Middle Overs

The middle overs are where bowlers have the most opportunities to maintain a low economy rate. By using smart variations and field placements, bowlers can control the opposition’s scoring and build pressure through dot balls and wicket-taking opportunities.

Death Overs

In the final overs, batsmen look to accelerate their scoring. Maintaining a low economy rate in the death overs is particularly challenging, but bowlers who can deliver yorkers, slower balls, and tight lines can limit the opposition’s ability to score freely.

Famous Examples of Low Economy Rate Performances

Many of cricket’s best bowlers are known for their ability to maintain low economy rates. Here are some famous examples of bowlers who used their economy rates to impact matches:

• Sunil Narine (West Indies): Known for his mystery spin and tight economy rates, Narine has been one of the most economical bowlers in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl dot balls and limit boundaries makes him a key asset in both domestic leagues and international cricket.
• Jasprit Bumrah (India): Bumrah is known for his exceptional control in the death overs, where he bowls yorkers and slower balls to maintain a low economy rate. His ability to contain runs and take wickets has made him one of the most effective bowlers in limited-overs cricket.
• Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): One of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history, Muralitharan consistently maintained a low economy rate in both Test and ODI cricket. His variations and accuracy made it difficult for batsmen to score freely against him.

Conclusion

Economy rate is a critical bowling statistic in limited-overs cricket, reflecting a bowler’s ability to control the opposition’s scoring rate. By focusing on consistent line and length, smart variations, and strategic field placements, bowlers can improve their economy rate and make a greater impact on match outcomes. Use our Economy Rate Calculator to track your bowling performance and see how you compare to the best bowlers in the game.