Economy rate = total runs conceded ÷ overs bowled. In T20 international cricket, economy rates under 7.0 rpo are excellent; 7-8 is good; above 9 is expensive. In ODIs, 4-5 rpo was once considered good; modern ODI average economy rates are 5-6 rpo. Economy rate measures control and the ability to restrict scoring — crucial in T20 where every dot ball has high value. A bowler can have a high economy but a poor average (takes wickets expensively) or low economy with a poor strike rate (cheap but not penetrative).
Key points
- Runs ÷ overs bowled
- T20: under 7 = excellent; above 9 = expensive
- Different standards for T20 vs ODI vs Test
- Measures control, not wicket-taking ability
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