Powerplay is when only a limited number of fielders can stand outside the 30-yard circle. It gives batsmen a huge advantage because there are gaps everywhere. Understanding powerplay phases is essential if you want to follow cricket properly.
In T20 cricket, the powerplay is the first 6 overs. During this phase, only 2 fielders are allowed outside the inner circle. After that, up to 5 fielders can go to the boundary.
This is why the first 6 overs are the most exciting part of any T20 innings. Teams either go all-out attack or lose early wickets trying.
ODIs have three phases. The mandatory powerplay is overs 1-10 with only 2 fielders outside. From overs 11-40, up to 4 fielders can go out. In overs 41-50, it goes up to 5. The final 10 overs bring the death-overs chaos that makes ODIs thrilling.
Openers who dominate the powerplay are goldmines in fantasy cricket. If you're picking a fantasy team, check a player's powerplay strike rate — it tells you more about their potential points than their overall average.
Try Sport God AI live
Live scores, AI predictions, and fantasy — free during IPL 2026.