Why is a runless over in cricket called a ‘maiden'?

Question

Why is a runless over in cricket called a ‘maiden over’?

Lawrence, Chiswick

Answer

**Definitive**

Name: Frank, Neasden

Qualification: Played cricket at school

Answer: ’Maiden’ means ‘unmarried’. This used to also mean ‘untouched’. An over with no score is said to be an untouched or ‘virgin’ over.