Overview

One Day International (ODI) is a format of international cricket played between teams that have been granted one-day status by the sport's governing body. It is a type of limited overs cricket designed to produce a result within a single day. Each side bats once and the match is completed in a fixed number of overs per innings. Modern ODIs are typically contested over 50 overs per innings, though that length has varied in the past. The first recognised ODI was played in 1971 between Australia and England.

Format and rules

An ODI match gives each team one innings, with a preset maximum of overs for each innings. The bowling team attempts to dismiss the batsmen or restrict scoring while the batting team seeks to score as many runs as possible within their allocation. If weather or other interruptions reduce the available playing time, target adjustments are made using standardized methods. Matches can end in a win, tie, no result (often due to weather), or, in certain competitions, be decided by tie-breakers such as super overs.

Key characteristics

  • Fixed overs: the match is limited by a set number of overs per team (commonly 50).
  • One innings per side: unlike multi-day cricket, each team bats only once.
  • Equipment and attire: modern ODIs commonly use a white ball and coloured clothing, especially in televised and tournament play.
  • Fielding restrictions and powerplays: to balance bat and ball, rules limit the number of fielders outside designated circles during portions of the innings.

History and development

ODI cricket emerged in the early 1970s as a shorter, spectator-friendly alternative to multi-day matches. The format developed rapidly, with international bilateral series and global tournaments adopting and refining playing conditions. Early international one-day contests used different over lengths in various countries; over time, the 50-over standard became widely accepted for major international tournaments. Innovations such as coloured kits, day–night fixtures under floodlights, and revised playing rules were introduced incrementally as the format evolved.

Significance, competitions and examples

ODIs have been central to international cricket's global appeal. The format forms the basis of major events such as the men's Cricket World Cup and numerous bilateral series between nations. Players and teams maintain separate statistical records and rankings for ODIs, reflecting the format's distinct skills and strategies. ODIs often bridge the tactical depth of longer formats and the higher scoring pace of shorter formats, making them strategically complex and popular with fans and broadcasters.

Differences from other formats

Compared with Test cricket, ODIs impose limits on overs and emphasize quicker scoring and tactical bowling changes. Compared with Twenty20 (T20), ODIs allow longer innings and different pacing, encouraging both consolidation and acceleration at various stages. Teams often adapt selection and tactics specifically for ODI cricket to balance endurance, versatility and scoring ability.

For introductory resources or official playing regulations, see governing bodies and summaries of limited-overs rules: limited overs overview, and for historical context or national team details consult publications linked from Australia and England cricket pages. For current playing conditions and the standard overs per side refer to standard overs information.