Where to Find Ball-by-Ball Cricket Data for Matches Before 2000

Finding detailed cricket data, particularly ball-by-ball statistics for matches played before 2000, can be challenging due to the lack of comprehensive digital documentation and recording practices of that era. However, several authoritative sources attempt to aggregate historical cricket data as extensively as possible. Below are some notable sources where you might find the most detailed cricket statistics, including ball-by-ball data, available for pre-2000 matches.

1. ESPN Cricinfo

URL: ESPN Cricinfo Stats

Description: Known as one of the leading sites for cricket-related information, ESPN Cricinfo provides a wealth of data and statistics, which include a vast array of player's career records, match statistics, and historical match descriptions. Using the Statsguru tool, cricket enthusiasts can generate data tables and customized statistics based on specific parameters like time periods, player performances, or match outcomes. While its primary strength lies in aggregated match statistics, it is one of the more detailed free resources available.

Information Available: This resource includes match results, player statistics, and team records. It has limited ball-by-ball data for matches before 2000, mainly offering comprehensive scorecards and match summaries.

Format: Data is primarily in web-based tabular formats, with limited capability to export custom data tables for analysis.

2. Cricket Archive

URL: Cricket Archive

Description: Known as a subscription-based platform, Cricket Archive boasts one of the largest collections of historical cricket statistics, with over 900,000 scorecards covering more than 1.6 million players from the late 1800s onwards. Cricket Archive provides vast collections of historical cricket matches at both international and domestic levels, which includes first-class and List A games. It holds a reputation for delivering the most comprehensive collection of historical match data.

Information Available: Access to extensive match scorecards, player statistics, historical records, and occasionally ball-by-ball data for certain historical games, especially those with significant international and domestic implications.

Format: Primarily accessible in webpage format, with downloadable options available in various formats for detailed scorecards and sometimes ball-by-ball commentary.

Note: Access to detailed records and ball-by-ball data in Cricket Archive often requires a paid subscription.

3. Cricsheet

URL: Cricsheet

Description: Cricsheet serves as an open-source project providing access to structured cricket data, primarily attempting to provide ball-by-ball records for international games and T20 leagues. While its detailed records are more comprehensive for post-2000 matches due to data availability and collection efforts, it remains a popular choice among those seeking raw data for analysis or academic research.

Information Available: Ball-by-ball data for international matches, particularly Tests, ODIs, and T20 matches, post-2000. Limited or no ball-by-ball data exists for matches before 2000.

Format: Available in CSV or XML formats, which are compatible with data analysis tools.

4. Howstat

URL: Howstat

Description: Howstat functions as a statistical database providing comprehensive cricket statistics and records. It covers an array of international cricket statistics and records, presenting an excellent foundation for fans and researchers interested in historical cricket analyses.

Information Available: Match results, player profiles, and comprehensive cricketing records, with a focus on statistics and graphs. However, like other free resources, ball-by-ball details are scarce for pre-2000 matches.

Format: Web-based, with interactive graphs and tables offering data analysis capabilities.

5. Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians (ACS)

URL: ACS

Description: ACS stands as a significant authority in cricket history and statistics. Although its primary goal is to maintain records and articles detailing cricket history and statistics, its value lies in providing detailed cricket match reports which, while not always focused on ball-by-ball information, often include comprehensive event details.

Information Available: Progression data, detailed score records, and historical match reports. Their publications and articles offer deep insights into the cricketing past.

Format: Publications, digital access, and subscription-based content, accessible primarily through their website.

Final Considerations

When exploring ball-by-ball cricket data for matches played before 2000, it’s important to recognize that detailed and comprehensive ball-by-ball data might be sparse due to limitations in digital archival practices during that period. Most sources deliver aggregated statistics, and full ball-by-ball records might only be available for key international or noteworthy matches.

For accurate, in-depth records and particularly detailed ball-by-ball accounts, Cricket Archive, despite its subscription model, appears to be the leading source. Finding free, comprehensive records will likely involve cross-referencing multiple resources like ESPN Cricinfo, Howstat, and perhaps leveraging available data formats to piece together desired historical insights. In pursuing detailed ball records, it may often be necessary to consult multiple sources or their paid tiers to procure rare archives.