If you’ve watched an ODI match and wondered why fielders suddenly move in or out, you’ve already seen a powerplay in action. Powerplays are special sets of overs that change the flow of the game by controlling where fielders can stand.
For cricket fans, knowing how many powerplays there are in ODI cricket makes the match even more thrilling. Over the years, powerplay rules have been tweaked many times to keep the game more exciting for both batters and bowlers (and especially the audience).
Let’s break it down in the simplest way so you can enjoy the game even more.
ODI Powerplay Rules: A Quick Overview
Cricket fans often ask how many powerplays there are in ODI matches, and the answer is simple: three.
These powerplays split the 50 overs into different phases, each with its own fielding restrictions. The goal is to keep the game balanced and interesting. It also makes sure batters and bowlers face changing challenges throughout the innings.
Powerplay 1 (Overs 1–10): The Launch Pad
Source: Cricinfo
Alt Text: Powerplay phase 1
The first ten overs of an ODI are the most explosive. During this phase, teams are only allowed two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. That means there are big gaps in the outfield, which encourages batters to go for boundaries early. Openers often take advantage of the new ball flying off the bat to score quickly.
For bowlers, though, this period is a true test. The ball swings the most in the first few overs, so fast bowlers usually look for movement and hope to dismiss top-order batters before they can settle.
Powerplay 2 (Overs 11–40): The Middle Overs
Source: Cricinfo
Alt Text: Powerplay phase 2
After the excitement of the start, the match enters a more tactical phase. In this period, teams are allowed four fielders outside the circle. That extra protection makes it harder to hit boundaries consistently, so batters usually shift their focus toward singles and doubles.
From the bowling perspective, this is the best time to tighten control. Spinners come into play, trying to keep runs down and tempt the batter into errors. Pacers, too, focus on accuracy and variation rather than speed.
Powerplay 3 (Overs 41–50): The Death Overs
Source: Cricinfo
Alt Text: Powerplay phase 3
So, how many overs of powerplay in ODI cricket matches make up the final stretch? The answer is the last ten. In this phase, teams can place five fielders outside the circle. Even with more protection, batters usually go all out in attack mode. This is generally when the biggest sixes and the fastest scoring rates happen.
Bowlers, meanwhile, face their toughest challenge. Yorkers, bouncers, and slower deliveries become their main tools to avoid heavy punishment. A single over going for 20 or 25 runs can completely flip the game.
Moreover, if the bowling side fails to complete the 50 overs within the specified time, they are penalized in the last two overs. This means they’re only allowed four fielders outside the circle for the last two overs, even though it’s the powerplay.
| Phase | Overs in the Innings | Max Fielders Outside |
| Powerplay 1 | 1 – 10 Overs | 2 |
| Powerplay 2 | 11 – 40 Overs | 4 |
| Powerplay 3 | 41 – 50 Overs | 5 |
How Many Powerplays are in a 50 Overs Match?
In a 50-over ODI match, there are three powerplays. Each phase has rules and strategies, and understanding them will take your cricket IQ up several notches. Let’s discuss how these powerplays have evolved over the years.
Historical Evolution of Powerplay Rules
The concept of fielding restrictions began during the early 1982, with only two fielders allowed outside the circle for the first 15 overs. It wasn’t until 1992 that this restriction became part of the global ODI rules.
Fast forward to 2005, when the ICC introduced the concept of ‘Powerplays. It splits the game into one mandatory opening block and two five-over blocks. These extra blocks gave teams some strategic control.
However, by 2008, teams could choose when to use their additional 5-over Powerplays, adding more unpredictability. Then comes 2011, tightening the rules so discretionary Powerplays must fall between overs 16 and 36.
Finally, the modern structure we know today was introduced in 2015. It was decided that there will be three fixed Powerplays (Overs 1-10, 11-40, and 41-50) with no discretionary blocks anymore.
Powerplay Rules Comparison: Then vs Now (2025)
| Time Period | Format & Fielding Restrictions |
| Pre-1992 | Two fielders outside the circle for the first 15 overs; no Powerplay |
| 1992-2005 | Fielding rules standardized; still 15-over restriction |
| 2005 Format | Mandatory 10 overs at the start + two 5-over Powerplays |
| 2008 Changes | One discretionary Powerplay allocated to the batting team |
| 2011 Adjustments | Discretionary Powerplays restricted between overs 16–36 |
| 2015 Onwards | Fixed Powerplays: Overs 1–10, 11–40, 41–50 |
Why Were ODI Powerplay Rules Introduced?
Source: Wikipedia
Alt Text: ODI Match
The idea of Powerplay rules in ODIs came from a simple need: cricket needed more excitement. Before Powerplays, teams played slowly in the first half of the innings.
Captains packed the outfield with fielders, so scoring runs was tough. This sometimes made matches dull, and the ICC wanted to change that. Here are a few reasons why ODI powerplay rules were introduced:
To Create Balance Between Bat and Ball
One big reason was to balance the contest. Without Powerplays, bowlers relied on defensive fields to stop runs. With fielding restrictions, they had to change tactics. Bowlers needed better line and length, slower balls, or bouncers to survive.
At the same time, batters were encouraged to take risks. This balance kept the matches unpredictable, which is what fans love most.
To Redefine Player Roles
Powerplays also changed how players approached their roles. Openers suddenly had a bigger responsibility to make use of their first 10 overs. They were expected to score quickly instead of just protecting their wicket.
Later, during the final overs, the restrictions allowed big hitters to shine. Finishers could clear the in-field more easily, which added drama to the closing stages of an innings.
To Keep ODIs More Entertaining
The main reason behind the introduction was simple: entertainment. Cricket boards wanted more boundaries, more drama, and more strategy.
Powerplays added all of this. They turned ordinary overs into high-pressure moments where both batsmen and bowlers had to think smartly. This helped ODIs stay competitive and thrilling compared to other formats.
Impact of Powerplays in ODIs
Powerplays have completely changed how teams plan and play in One Day Internationals (ODI). Each phase comes with its own challenges and opportunities, so both batters and bowlers must think smartly. Let’s look at some of the strategies that shift across three Powerplays.
1. Openers Maximizing the First 10 Overs
The first Powerplay is the most thrilling part of an ODI. With only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle, openers know there are big gaps to find boundaries. Teams usually send in aggressive batters who can take advantage of this window.
But it’s not only about batting. Bowlers also see this phase as their best chance to take early wickets. Swing bowlers, in particular, use the new ball to move it around and challenge the top order.
2. Middle Overs Consolidating
Once the first Powerplay ends, the game moves into the middle overs (11-40). Here, the restrictions ease a little, allowing up to four fielders outside the circle. This is the phase where teams look to build partnerships.
Unlike T20, where the innings end in 20 overs, ODI requires consistency and a solid foundation to post a respectable total.
Bowlers also try to keep things tight. Spinners often play a major role in this phase, slowing down the scoring rate and forcing mistakes. This period may look calmer, but it’s just as important. Teams that lose wickets in this phase usually struggle to finish strongly.
3. Death Overs Explosion
The last phase, also known as the third Powerplay, is all about fireworks. With five fielders allowed outside the circle, bowlers get some protection, but batters usually hold the upper hand. Power hitters come to the crease, and their job is to simply go big.
It’s not unusual to see teams scoring 100 or more runs in this period if they have wickets in hand. However, bowlers use yorkers, slower balls, and wide deliveries to limit the scoring opportunities. This is where matches are mostly won or lost.
Famous High-Scoring Powerplays in ODIs
Source: Cricket Highlights
Alt Text: England’s record-breaking 481 runs.
Over the years, fans have witnessed some jaw-dropping Powerplay performances. India famously smashed 210 runs in the first 20 overs against Sri Lanka in 2017. On the other hand, England’s record-breaking 481 against Australia in 2018 also highlighted the impact of Powerplays.
These examples prove that Powerplays are not just rules; they are game-changers that can decide the flow of an entire match. Some of these memorable Powerplays include:
| Match | Year | Powerplay Runs | Total Score |
| India vs Sri Lanka | 2017 | 210 in the first 20 overs | 375/5 |
| England vs Australia | 2018 | 159 in the first 20 overs | 481/6 |
| New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | 2015 | 118 in the first 9 overs | 118/0 |
| Australia vs New Zealand | 2023 | 118 in the first 10 overs | 410/4 |
| Australia vs South Africa | 2025 | 86 in the first 10 overs | 431/2 |
Summing Up
ODI cricket has become more exciting and strategic because of Powerplays. They give both batters and bowlers moments to take control, and they often shape the outcome of a match. For anyone still wondering how many Powerplays there are in ODI, the answer is THREE.
Over the years, these rules have changed to keep cricket balanced and entertaining. This also ensures that fans always get to enjoy action-packed contests from the first ball to the last.
FAQs
1. What is P1, P2, and P3 in ODI?
In ODIs, the three Powerplays are divided into different phases of a 50-over match:
- Powerplay 1 (P1): Covers overs 1–10. Only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
- Powerplay 2 (P2): Runs from overs 11–40. Teams can have up to four fielders outside the circle.
- Powerplay 3 (P3): This is the final phase, overs 41–50. In this period, a maximum of five fielders are allowed outside the circle. It’s also called the “death overs” stage.
2. How many overs are there in Powerplay 2?
Powerplay 2 covers 30 overs in an ODI. It begins right after the first 10 overs and continues until the end of the 40th over (overs 11–40).
3. How many power plays are in 20 overs?
In a 20-over T20 match, there is technically only one Powerplay. It lasts for the first six overs of the innings, during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. After the Powerplay is over, teams can have five fielders outside the circle for the remaining 14 overs until the innings is completed within the specified time.
4. What are the two new ball rules in ODI?
The ICC introduced the two new ball rules in ODIs in October 2011. According to this rule, instead of using one ball for the entire innings, two new balls are used from each end. This means both ends of the pitch have their own new ball, and each is bowled for 25 overs.
In 2025, the rule was revised. After 34 overs, teams now have the option to continue with both balls or choose one of the two to finish the remaining overs.
