The manner in which runs are scored off the bat in cricket is by hitting the ball to the boundary or by running between the wickets. Each time the batters change ends; a run is scored. If the ball crosses the boundary directly or after pitching before crossing the boundary, six or four runs are respectively added to the total. A common question among followers of the game is, how many maximum runs can a batter accumulate on one ball by simply running between the wickets?
According to the laws, there is no rule that states that the batter cannot run more than a certain number of times. By logic, a batter can run till the fielder gets hold of the ball and throws it back to the fielder standing near the stumps. This is because if the batters fail to reach the crease before the fielders dislodge the stumps, then the batter would be deemed run out.
Running between the wickets to score runs is the most common method of scoring runs. Batters regularly change ends once or twice in one ball to score a single (1 run) or a double (2 runs). Running three runs is uncommon but can be seen. Running four runs is even more rare but instances have taken place.
Batters can certainly run five runs. But this has never occurred as a result of a shot that was hit and later returned by the fielder to the wicket-keeper. This is where “overthrow” comes into picture. Let us say a fielder throws the ball and aims to direct it at the fielder near the stumps. A misfired throw might end up in the ball travelling beyond the pitch in the opposite direction. This means the ball is still in play. The batters take this opportunity to change ends until another fielder picks up the overthrown ball and throws is back to the fielder near the stumps.
Thus, a batter can score five runs, and if luck persists can get bonus runs by simply running between the wickets.
