A preliminary analysis of team performance in English first-class Twenty-Twenty (T20) cricket

Abstract

T20 cricket is becoming the most popular and financially valuable form of the game, yet information related to the performances of winning teams is limited. This preliminary study investigated batting and bowling performance indicators, and additionally employed pitch level analysis to identify micro level variables related to successful outcomes in matches. Several large to moderate effect sizes were noted, including taking wickets (ES=1.64), wickets in last 6 overs (ES=1.44), percentage of runs from boundaries (ES=1.26), lower percentage of runs from boundaries in first 6 overs (ES=0.96,) and run rate (ES=0.90). Pitch map analysis identified bowlers from winning teams seem to take more wickets through LBW decisions, which could be related to a different grouping of deliveries in comparison to non-winning teams. Success in T20 cricket is linked to some obvious performance indicators; taking wickets, especially in the last 6 overs, and scoring runs quickly, principally through boundaries with specific attention to hitting 4s. There appear to be different batting and bowling tactics or skill levels within performers from winning teams, which may increase the likelihood of capturing wickets or scoring boundaries. Mapping of performance indicators across different T20 playing conditions may assist with team preparation and tactical decisions.