What is Economy in Cricket? Guide to All Calculations

If you love cricket then you’ve probably heard commentators talk about a bowler’s "economy rate". But what exactly does it mean? If you're looking to understand the game better, or if you're a serious cricket bettor looking for an edge, then this guide is for you. We'll break down what economy in cricket really means, how to calculate it yourself, and why it matters, especially in formats like T20 and ODI.

For those into cricket betting, understanding stats like economy rate can help you make smarter picks, especially when evaluating bowlers. So, let’s dive in.

What is economy in cricket?

Economy in cricket refers to how many runs a bowler concedes per over. It's a simple but powerful measure of how effective a bowler is at containing the batting side. Lower economy rates often mean a bowler is putting real pressure on the batters. For example, if a bowler concedes 40 runs in 8 overs, the economy rate is 5.0. That means, on average, they're giving away 5 runs every over.

Why economy rate matters in limited-overs formats

In T20s and ODIs, bowlers don’t have the luxury of bowling unlimited overs. Every run saved matters. A bowler with a low economy rate can swing momentum, build pressure and create wicket-taking opportunities.

Especially in T20 leagues like the IPL, bowlers with an economy rate under 7 are gold dust. In tight matches, those few saved runs can make the difference between a win and a loss.

Economy meaning in cricket vs bowling average

People often confuse economy rate with bowling average. But they measure different things:

A bowler may have a great average but a poor economy if they take wickets but also leak runs. Ideally, a bowler should excel in both stats, but economy is particularly crucial in shorter formats.

Expert Perspective

Our in-house cricket analyst Dhruv gives us his opinion on the impact of economy:

"Economy rate is a bowler's best friend in T20s. You may not take wickets, but if you’re going at 6 an over, you're building pressure, and pressure brings wickets.

You should always consider economy when betting on top bowler markets or man of the match awards. It reveals consistency more than flashy stats. Even if a bowler finishes wicketless, keeping runs in check can significantly influence match results and betting markets."

How to Calculate Economy Rate in Cricket

Economy rate is calculated by dividing the number of runs a bowler concedes by the number of overs they bowl. One key point to remember is that an over consists of six legal deliveries, and partial overs need to be handled carefully, especially in digital scorecards or betting markets.

It’s also important to consider what does and doesn’t count towards the calculation. Wides and no-balls, add to a bowler’s conceded runs but not to their over count. This means a bowler can be punished in their economy even if they don’t bowl poor deliveries in a traditional sense.

Let’s break down each element of the formula.

Economy Rate Formula: Runs Conceded ÷ Overs Bowled

The basic formula is: Economy Rate = Runs Conceded ÷ Overs Bowled

So, if a bowler concedes 45 runs in 9 overs: 45 ÷ 9 = 5.00

Their economy rate is 5.0.

If it's helpful to consider it this way: if two bowlers take the same number of wickets, but one concedes fewer runs across the same number of overs, they’re the more economical — and possibly more valuable in tight games.

In betting, this formula can help you compare players quickly and efficiently. If you're considering backing a bowler for 'Most Economical Player' or predicting how they'll perform against a strong batting line-up, this metric helps you quantify their control over the run rate. And in formats like T10 or T20, where every ball counts, this number can be as crucial as strike rate is for batters.

Also, remember that economy rate has longevity — bowlers with consistently low economy rates are often favoured for death overs or powerplay situations, which further enhances their betting value and impact.

Handling partial overs (e.g., 10.3 overs = 10.5)

In cricket, an over is made up of six legal deliveries. When a bowler bowls 10.3 overs, it means 10 overs and 3 balls. To convert that into a usable number:

Now you can calculate: Runs conceded = 52 Overs = 10.5 Economy = 52 ÷ 10.5 = 4.95

What counts in the calculation: wides, no-balls, byes

Only runs that come directly off the bowler are counted. This ensures fair evaluation of their performance.

Economy Rate Benchmarks by Format

Bowling economy varies drastically depending on the format. A good economy rate in T20 would be seen as average in ODIs and excellent in Tests. Let’s look at what counts as a good performance across each version of the game.

Understanding these benchmarks not only helps you appreciate performances better but also assists with betting decisions. When analysing markets like 'Best Bowling Figures' or 'Most Dot Balls', context is key — and these format-based thresholds provide that context.

Let’s break down economy benchmarks across formats:

T20: What is a good economy rate?

In T20s, anything under 7.0 is excellent. Bowlers who go under 6.5 are considered elite.

This format is all about scoring fast, so a bowler who can slow the run rate is immensely valuable.

ODI: Ideal economy rate for bowlers

In ODIs, the benchmark is slightly higher due to longer innings:

Economy is key during the middle overs when batters are rotating strike. Controlling that phase can starve teams of momentum.

Test matches: How economy is viewed differently

In Tests, wickets are more valuable, but economy still plays a role:

In long spells, an economical bowler can grind out batters and create chances. Think of someone like Glenn McGrath — relentless accuracy and low economy.

Best Economy Rates in International Cricket

Some of the most successful bowlers in world cricket are also the most economical. These players may not always dominate headlines, but their consistency plays a critical role in their team’s success.

Format	Player	Economy Rate	Notable Performance
T20I	Rashid Khan (AFG)	6.18	Over 100 wickets at under 7 RPO. Known for choking runs during powerplay and middle overs.
ODI	Joel Garner (WI)	3.09	Dominated the 80s with line and length. Difficult to score off even in death overs.
Test	Vernon Philander (SA)	2.32	Exceptional in seaming conditions. Maintained consistent line and length over long spells.

Rashid Khan’s variations make him a T20 asset, while Garner’s height and bounce made him near unplayable in his prime. These bowlers prove that economy rate can be just as lethal as strike rate, especially in key phases of the game.

How Does Economy Rate Affect Cricket Betting?

For bettors, understanding economy rate can give a real edge, and it can also directly influence how odds are set and where smart value bets lie. Consider these scenarios:

If you’re betting on upcoming matches, like those featured in our IPL Match Predictions, keep a close eye on bowler economy. It’s often a clearer indicator of form than flashy strike rates.

And don’t forget about conditions because Indian pitches vary a lot. A bowler with a good economy at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore (a high-scoring ground) is often more valuable than one who performs well only in slower venues like Chennai or Lucknow.

Conclusion

So, what is economy in cricket? It’s more than just a number — it’s a window into how well a bowler is controlling the game. Whether you’re watching a nail-biting IPL clash or placing your bets on Cricket Odds, understanding this stat will make you a smarter fan and bettor.

India has produced several top-class bowlers known for their miserly economy rates, especially in T20 cricket where every run matters. Names like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar often top the charts. Bumrah, in particular, is famed for his death-over accuracy and ability to concede under 7 runs per over across both IPL and international T20s.

These bowlers not only deliver match-winning spells but also consistently impact betting markets. A bowler with a reputation for tight spells often attracts wagers in props like "most dot balls", "under bowler runs conceded", or "player performance bets".

Cricket isn’t just about boundaries and wickets. It’s about the moments in between. A bowler with a strong economy rate can change the flow of an innings without even taking a wicket.

Now that you know how to calculate it and what benchmarks to look for, you’ll be able to read the game with more clarity and confidence.

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