Original editorial guide written by FinderPress. Tournament facts checked against public reports on 2026-11-06; confirm schedules, broadcasters and ticket details on official NPL channels.
Confused by cricket jargon? This glossary explains over, powerplay, wicket, strike rate, economy, DRS and other terms used in NPL coverage.
Batting terms
A boundary is a four (the ball reaches the rope along the ground) or a six (it clears the rope in the air). A duck is a score of zero. A partnership is the number of runs two batters add together. The strike is the end of the pitch at which a batter is facing the bowler.
Bowling and fielding terms
An over is six legal deliveries from one bowler. A maiden is an over with no runs. A wicket is a dismissal, and the term is also used for the pitch itself. Common ways of being out include bowled, caught, leg before wicket (LBW), run out and stumped. A yorker is a ball pitched at the batter's feet, which is hard to hit.
Match terms
The powerplay is the first six overs with fielding restrictions. A super over breaks a tie. Net run rate is the tie-breaker used in league tables. DRS, the Decision Review System, lets teams challenge an umpire's decision using technology. Whether DRS is used in a particular tournament depends on its playing conditions.
Using this glossary
Bookmark this page and return to it whenever commentary uses a word you do not know. Most terms become familiar after a few matches, and soon you will be following the game as confidently as longtime fans.
Fielding positions you will hear about
Slip, gully, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, mid-wicket, square leg, fine leg and third man are the names of common fielding positions. They describe where fielders stand relative to the batter. Commentators use these terms constantly, so learning them makes listening easier.
Types of bowling
Fast bowlers rely on pace and swing, while spin bowlers use finger or wrist action to turn the ball. Medium-pace bowlers often mix variations such as slower balls or cutters. In T20, captains choose bowlers based on the match situation and the pitch.
Terms about the pitch and conditions
A good batting pitch is one that allows even bounce, while a slow pitch grips and holds the ball. Dew can make the ball slippery in evening matches, which is why captains often choose to chase. Overcast skies can help bowlers who swing the ball.
Frequently asked questions
What is a century? A score of 100 runs by one batter. What is a hat-trick? Three wickets from three consecutive balls by one bowler. What is DRS? A review system that uses technology to check umpiring decisions. What is a free hit? The delivery after a no-ball for overstepping.
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