How Many Types of Out in Cricket? (All 12 Dismissals Explained)

Understanding how many types of outs in cricket exist is essential for anyone who watches the sport. While scoring runs grabs most of the attention, dismissals decide the momentum, strategy, and outcome of a match.

Surprisingly, the Laws of Cricket, by the MCC, lists 12 official cricket dismissal types from the common ones you see every day to extremely rare dismissals that many fans have never witnessed.

We will break down all types of dismissal in cricket, explain ways a batsman can get out and simplify the cricket rules to get out.

List of ways to get out in cricket:

1. Caught – Most Common Dismissal in Cricket

A batter is out caught when the ball touches the bat or glove and is taken cleanly by any fielder before it hits the ground. This remains one of the most common dismissals in cricket, showcasing sharp reflexes, safe hands, and field placement strategy.

2. Bowled – Classic Cricket Out Rule

A bowled dismissal occurs when the bowler’s delivery hits the stumps and removes the bails. No matter how it happens if the bails fall, the batter is out. This wicket reflects the bowler’s skill in beating the batter’s defense.

3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW) – Technical but Important

LBW occurs when the ball hits the batter’s pad or body in line with the stumps and would have crashed into the wicket. It’s one of the most reviewed cricket umpire decisions out, frequently involving LBW rules and line-ball calls.

4. Stumped – Smart Work by the Wicketkeeper

A batter is stumped when the wicketkeeper removes the bails while the batter is outside the crease and not attempting a run. This happens most often against spin bowlers when a batter advances down the pitch to attack.

5. Run-Out – Quick Thinking in the Field

A run out occurs when a fielder breaks the stumps with the ball before the batter reaches the crease during a run attempt.
This dismissal tests communication, awareness, and running technique and can affect either striker or non-striker.

6. Obstructing the Field – One of the Rarest Outs in Cricket

This rare dismissal happens when the batter intentionally blocks a fielder’s movement or a throw using their bat or body. Umpires judge this based on intent, making it one of the rare types of out in cricket.

7. Hit Wicket – A Self-Inflicted Dismissal

A batter is out hit wicket if they accidentally knock over their stumps with their bat, body, or even clothing during their shot or stance. While accidental, it’s a completely valid wicket under cricket dismissal rules.

8. Timed Out – Strict but Legal

A player is declared timed out if they fail to be ready to face the next delivery within the allowed time usually 3 minutes. This ensures the match flows smoothly without unnecessary delays.

9. Hit the Ball Twice – Uncommon and Intent-Based

This dismissal occurs if a batter deliberately strikes the ball twice before a fielder touches it.
It usually happens when players try to protect their stumps but go beyond what the Laws allow.

10. Retired Out – A Rare Scorecard Entry

A batter is marked retired out when they voluntarily leave the field due to injury, fatigue, or other reasons and do not return. Unlike retired hurt, this is permanent.

11. Mankading – Legal Under ICC Cricket Dismissal Rules

If the non-striker leaves the crease early before the bowler delivers the ball, the bowler can legally run them out. This is known as Mankading, named after Vinoo Mankad who executed it in 1947.

12. Handling the Ball – A Rare but Valid Dismissal

A batter is out handling the ball when they deliberately touch the ball with a hand not holding the bat, without permission from the fielding side. This rarely occurs but is firmly part of the official Law of cricket dismissal.

FAQs

1. What are the 12 types of outs in cricket?
   The 12 dismissals include caught, bowled, LBW, stumped, run-out, obstructing the field, hit wicket, timed out, hit the ball twice, retired out, mankading, and handling the ball.
2. How many ways can a batsman get out?
   A batsman can get out in exactly 12 legal ways according to the Laws of Cricket.
3. Which are the rarest dismissals in cricket?
   Obstructing the field, timing out, handling the ball, and hitting the ball twice are among the rarest dismissals.
4. What is the difference between run out and stumped?
   When stumped, the batter is not attempting a run. In run outs, the batter is trying to complete a run when the stumps are broken.
5. How does a batsman get out in cricket with examples?
   Examples include being caught after hitting the ball in the air, bowled when the stumps are hit, or run-out when failing to reach the crease in time.

All Cricket Outs Explained Clearly

There are 12 official ways a batter can get out in cricket, and each one adds a tactical layer to the sport. From common wickets like caught, bowled, and LBW to rare dismissals such as obstructing the field, handling the ball, and timed out every outcome shapes how a match progresses.

Understanding these cricket dismissal types not only enriches your viewing experience but also highlights how timing, judgment, and smart decision-making define the game.

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