The One-Day Internationals (ODIs) are exciting and thrilling matches in cricket that take place over a single day, with both teams batting for 50 overs. But after both teams have batted, there is an important point where everyone takes a break, otherwise known as the innings break.
So let’s cover everything you need to know about ODI innings break time, including how long it is, what its purpose is, and what happens during the break.
What Is ODI Innings Break Time?
The innings break (or simply break) in a one-day match is a short break between the first and second innings. The innings break occurs after the team batting first completes their innings (they have 50 overs to bat in a one-day match). During the innings break, players can rest and regroup before the team batting second comes out to chase down the required total.
Duration of the Innings Break in ODIs
In an ODI match, the innings break is fixed for 45 minutes. The innings break is the same regardless of the number of overs that the first team batted or the number of runs scored. Even if the team has been bowled out in 35 overs, the second team has to wait 45 minutes before they can bat.
What Is the Purpose of This ODI Break?
There are plenty of benefits of the innings break in ODI cricket, for both the players and the match officials.
Here is what generally occurs:
- Players are resting/re-charging after concentration for several hours of play.
- The coaches are providing new plans based on the relevance of the first innings.
- Bowlers and fielders are going to be able to prepare with new energy.
- Ground staff check the state of the pitch and the outfield.
- Broadcasters use this time to show highlights, expert commentary and commercial advertisements.
- Fans often scroll through scorecards or place bets using a trusted cricket betting site during the innings break
How Is It Different from Other Formats?
Let’s compare the ODI innings break with breaks in other cricket formats:
| Format | Overs Per Side | Innings Break Time |
| ODI | 50 | 45 minutes |
| T20 / Leagues | 20 | 15–20 minutes |
| Test Match | Unlimited | 10–15 minutes |
In T20 matches, the break is shorter because the format is quicker. In Test cricket, the breaks are more flexible and depend on the flow of the game.
Why the Innings Break Matters in ODIs
The breaks between innings in an ODI may seem like just a small gap for rest, but they can transform a match. Most teams make use of the break to consider how to play the pitch, consider the plan for the opposition and pick smart strategies.
Having a well-implemented team talk throughout the break can help establish ways for the bowlers to apply pressure or, for the batters, plan a smart approach to chase down a target.
Conclusion
The 45 break between innings in ODI cricket is much more than just a gap between innings, it is time to plan, time to rest, or time to recover. If you’re an ODI enthusiast or just learning about cricket, knowing about this break in play helps to understand how this game is laid out and why it matters. Many fans also use the innings break to check live match odds or place predictions using their favourite betting app cricket platforms.
So, next time you watch an ODI, you will know what the break is for and how teams can either plan to make a comeback, or to ensure the chase and secure a win.