How Cricket Series and Tournaments Work
Almost all international cricket is played as part of a series rather than as one-off games. Grouping matches this way gives a tour its shape and its drama — a single defeat can be recovered from, but a series result is what teams are ultimately judged on. Understanding the different formats a series can take makes it far easier to follow what is at stake on any given day.
Bilateral series
A bilateral series is a contest between two nations, usually as part of a tour — for example a three-match Test series or a five-match ODI series. The side that wins the most matches takes the series; if the result is level, the trophy is often shared or retained by the holder. Many bilateral series carry their own named trophies, such as the Ashes or the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which adds a layer of history beyond the individual scoreline.
Multi-team tournaments
Tournaments bring several teams together and usually run in two stages: a league phase where every side plays a set number of games and earns points, followed by knockouts. The points table decides who advances, and net run rate (NRR) often separates teams level on points. World Cups, the Champions Trophy and franchise leagues such as the IPL all follow this league-then-knockout structure, which is why the standings matter just as much as the results in the closing stages.
Following a series on Crickpal
Open any series to see its full fixture list, live and completed scorecards, squads and — for tournaments — the live points table. Live games sit at the top, with upcoming fixtures and finished results below, so you can pick up an ongoing contest at a glance or plan which matches to watch next.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a series and a tournament?
A series is usually two teams playing a set of matches against each other; a tournament involves several teams competing for one title, typically through a league and knockouts.
How is a tied series decided?
In bilateral cricket a drawn series is often shared, or the trophy stays with the holder. In tournaments, tie-breakers like net run rate and head-to-head results decide placings.
Where do I find the points table for a series?
Each multi-team series links to its own live points table showing wins, losses, points and net run rate, updated after every match.