Why the points system matters more than team shape
Two teams with the same XI can score wildly different totals because the points system gives different weight to different actions. A bowling all-rounder who takes 3 wickets in T20 scores 75 points just for the wickets, before counting dot balls, maidens and catches. A specialist batter who scores 50 in a T20 scores 63 (50 + 8 for the fifty + 4 fours + 6 sixes). The points system is the honest ledger.
Worked example: a T20 all-rounder
A top-order all-rounder in T20 scores 35 runs off 28 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) and takes 2 wickets for 24 in 4 overs (1 maiden, 6 dots), and catches 1.
- Batting: 35 + (4 × 4) + (2 × 6) = 35 + 16 + 12 = 63 pts
- Bowling: (2 × 25) + 4 (maiden) + 6 (dots) = 50 + 4 + 6 = 60 pts
- Fielding: 1 catch = 8 pts
- Subtotal: 131 pts. Captain multiplier (2x): 262 pts.
Worked example: an ODI wrist-spinner
A wrist-spinner takes 4 wickets for 38 in 10 overs (2 maidens) and scores 12 with the bat.
- Bowling: (4 × 25) + 4 (3-wicket bonus) + (2 × 4 maidens) = 100 + 4 + 8 = 112 pts
- Batting: 12 + (2 × 4 fours) = 20 pts
- Total: 132 pts.
Worked example: a Test opener
A Test opener scores 78 (180 balls, 9 fours) and takes 1 catch.
- Batting: 78 + (9 × 4) = 78 + 36 = 114 pts
- Fifty bonus: 4 pts
- Fielding: 1 catch = 8 pts
- Total: 126 pts.
Edge cases that quietly flip contests
- Strike-rate bonus thresholds. A 49-run knock at a 200+ SR scores less than a 50-run knock at a 175+ SR. The milestone bonus is bigger than the extra run.
- Dot balls in T20. 1 pt per dot ball in T20 quietly adds up over 4 overs. A bowler who bowls 24 dots adds 24 bonus pts.
- Catch hauls. A 3-catch haul bonus (4 pts) is rare and quiet. A wicketkeeper with 3 catches scores more than the catch value suggests.
- Bonus expiry on duck. A batter who scores 0 carries a small negative (-2 in T20, -3 in ODI, -4 in Test). A captain duck at 0 can swing a contest.