HowZat is the world’s first free real-action cricket game, that’s multiplayer, and combines managerial features with real-cricketing ability. As a batsman, you have access to over 19 cricketing shots, and when bowling, you get to use our innovative swing/spin meter to trick the batsman out! Seriously, we should patent that thing.

HowZat fuses real cricket action with manager functionality, enabling players to set up, evolve and play with their own team right within your browser, with no installation required. Batting teams enjoy 20 shots for a realistic simulation of the game, while the bowling side can chose from a variety of deliveries. Players improve their teams over time by earning ‘Points’. Users are even offered the option to customize their player names, team uniforms to any color they wish.

Batting
Timing & Shot Selection is everything!

You may use every little cricketing trick in the book to outplay your opponent. When batting, Timing and Shot selection are the most important factors determining how your batsman will perform.

Choose your shot before the ball is delivered

Keep the arrow keys pressed down to choose your shot. For example, holding down the Down and Right key will select the Cover drive.

Play along the ground or take a risk and loft it!

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Use Z or X to time your shot. Using Z will execute a normal grounded shot. X will attempt a riskier lofted shot.

Don’t forget to run between the wickets!

Make runs by scoring boundaries, or run with Space bar. Look at the batting meter to see your batsmen run.

Plan out your batting order

When a batsman you control gets out, the popup window gives you a chance to change your batting order.

Let your batsmen improve by winning points!

Once you’ve accumulated Points through your wins, or by inviting friends to play, head over to the Manage team page to make your batsmen better. Their shots will now be hit harder and go further!

Bowling

Bowl to your field!

The most important thing you need to know about bowling is that you should always bowl to your field. You can choose your field setting at the beginning of each over.
Set the pointer, and then choose the delivery

Set the pointer where you want to deliver the bowl with the Up Down Left Right keys. Lock it in place with the Z key.
Trick the batsman by mixing it up

Use the Bowling meter to your advantage. Our innovative meter melds Speed with Swing/Spin into one package, remember to mix it up.
Try new bowling strategies

In the 5 over game, each player can only bowl one over. Change your default bowlers at the end of the over and develop new strategies. In the shorter game, anything is possible – try an off spinner to open your bowling!

Management

No points = Bad team! Use points wisely.

You can only go so far playing the game and not upgrading your players. Each time you win a match (and sometimes even when you lose!), you’re awarded some Points. You can use these Points to upgrade individuals in your team to become better players.

Adjust skill sets strategically

Each player (except the Wicketkeeper) has two separate skill sets, based on their role in the team, specifically, Batting and Bowling.

Try new bowling strategies

Each Team is composed of a mixture of Batsmen, Bowlers, All Rounders (Max 2) and a Wicketkeeper. Restrictions are set on how good a bowler your batsman can become – to keep things realistic!

Customize players to add depth to your team

On the Manage team page, you can click on individual players to add points to them, or just change other attributes like their name or playing style.

Establish your team’s identity

Click the Team Settings tab to customize the look and feel of your team. Change your logo, colors or name – you’re Player, Captain, Coach and Manager!

Try new bowling strategies

Need more Points? Invite your friends and earn points you can invest in your team – for free!