In a one day cricket match of 50 overs, Team A scores at a run rate of 5.3 runs per over for their entire innings. Team B is chasing this target. With 5 overs remaining, Team B needs a run rate of 7.2 runs per over to tie the match. What is Team B's current score at that point?

Introduction / Context:
This problem involves cricket scoring and run rates. Team A has already completed its innings, and Team B is chasing the target. We are given Team A's run rate and the required run rate for Team B with a certain number of overs left to tie the match. From this, we need to determine Team B's current score. This is a direct application of rate and total concepts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Total overs in the match for each team = 50.
• Team A's run rate = 5.3 runs per over.
• Team B has 5 overs remaining.
• Required run rate for Team B to tie = 7.2 runs per over for the last 5 overs.
• We assume Team B has played 45 overs already (50 - 5).

Concept / Approach:
First, we find the total score made by Team A using run rate * overs. That score is the target Team B must match to tie. Next, we use the required run rate for the remaining overs to figure out how many more runs Team B needs. Subtracting these required runs from the target gives Team B's current score after 45 overs.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Team A's total score = run rate * overs. Team A's total = 5.3 * 50 = 265 runs. To tie, Team B must also score 265 runs. Remaining overs for Team B = 5. Required run rate for last 5 overs = 7.2 runs per over. Runs needed in last 5 overs = 7.2 * 5 = 36 runs. Therefore, current score of Team B = target - runs still needed. Current score = 265 - 36 = 229 runs.
Verification / Alternative check:
If Team B is on 229 after 45 overs, then to reach 265, they need 36 more runs. Required run rate = 36 / 5 = 7.2 runs per over, which matches the condition given in the question.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (265): This would mean Team B already tied the match, so required run rate would be 0, not 7.2. Option B (238): Would make remaining runs = 27, giving a required run rate of 27 / 5 = 5.4, not 7.2. Option C (254): Would leave only 11 runs, resulting in a required rate of 11 / 5 = 2.2, which is incorrect. Option D (229): Correct, since it leads to a required rate of 7.2 runs per over to reach 265.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may mistakenly treat 7.2 as the average for the whole innings instead of just the last 5 overs. Another common mistake is to add 7.2 * 5 to Team A's score instead of subtracting it. Some may forget that the run rate given for Team A applies to all 50 overs and must be used to compute total runs first.
Final Answer:
Team B's score at that point is 229 runs.