How to play
Bowling: pick pitch-direction before delivery. Batting: tap-and-drag for shot direction and power. Match runs across twenty overs; team with more runs wins.
Game features
- Twenty-overs limited-overs format
- Pitch-direction bowling mechanic
- Sixteen teams across two divisions
- Ten-minute match length
- Touch and gamepad input
- No microtransactions
Editor review
Wicket Wave is a cricket arcade game aimed at casual fans of the sport. Limited-overs format (twenty overs per side). The format simplifies cricket's rules considerably but preserves the batting-and-bowling rhythm that makes the sport interesting.
What works is the bowling-pitch direction. Before each delivery, you pick where on the pitch the ball should land (short, good length, full toss, yorker). The batsman responds based on pitch-direction and their skill-stat. Reading the batter and choosing pitch-direction is the format's main tactical layer.
Sixteen teams across two divisions. The teams have realistic name-and-strength variation. Each team plays differently because the batsman skill-stats vary.
Tested over four Cross-City Line commute sessions. Touch with tap-and-drag for batting works fine. Gamepad with analog stick for batting is also comfortable. Keyboard works but feels less natural for the batting motion.
Where the design earns its rating is the limited-overs pacing. Twenty overs per side keeps the format short (about ten minutes per match). This commute-friendly pacing is what casual cricket fans want.
Where I would push back is the lack of test-match format. Cricket fans who prefer the longer format have no option. A multi-day test-match mode would have served the dedicated cricket audience even if it would not suit commute play.
Three-and-a-half stars. Solid cricket arcade with smart limited-overs pacing. Limited by absence of test-match option.
Trained as a librarian, started a hobby blog about browser games during her library science degree, took it freelance when the blog crossed 5,000 subscribers. Tests games on her morning train commute.
Frequently asked questions about Wicket Wave
How do I play Wicket Wave?
Bowling: pick pitch-direction before delivery. Batting: tap-and-drag for shot direction and power. Match runs across twenty overs; team with more runs wins.
Is Wicket Wave free to play in my browser?
Yes. Wicket Wave runs free in any modern browser. No installation, no signup, no payment required. Click the play button to load the game.
Does Wicket Wave work on mobile devices?
Wicket Wave runs in mobile browsers on iOS and Android with touch controls. Most sports games on AJ Arcade support both desktop and mobile, though precision-heavy titles tend to play better on desktop with a keyboard or gamepad.
Who reviewed Wicket Wave on AJ Arcade?
Eliza Chambers reviewed Wicket Wave. Their full editor review appears above and their other coverage is available on their author profile.
Where can I find more games like Wicket Wave?
More sports titles are available on the Sports category page. Every game on AJ Arcade has been played and reviewed by one of our three reviewers before publication.