History of ODI Cricket

One-day cricket, also known as limited-overs cricket, was first played in England in 1962. The format was introduced to provide an alternative to the traditional five-day Test matches, which could last for several days and often end in a draw. The first official one-day international (ODI) match was played on January 5, 1971, between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match was played over 40 overs per side, and Australia won by five wickets. The popularity of one-day cricket grew quickly, and it became a regular fixture in the cricketing calendar. The first Cricket World Cup was held in 1975, and it was won by the West Indies. The tournament featured eight teams and was played over a period of two weeks in England. Over the years, the format of one-day cricket has evolved. The number of overs per side has increased from 40 to 50, and new rules have been introduced, such as powerplays and the use of a white ball instead of the traditional red ball. Today, one-day cricket is played by all major cricketing nations, and it is a popular form of the sport, particularly in countries such as India, Pakistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. The Cricket World Cup is held every four years, and the most recent tournament was held in England and Wales in 2019, which was won by England.