In cricket, a "wicket" signifies the dismissal of a batsman. The term refers to a set of three vertical stumps and two horizontal bails at each end of the pitch. Batsmen aim to protect their wickets while scoring runs, and bowlers attempt to hit the wicket with the ball or induce a situation that leads to a batsman's dismissal. Wickets are essential to the game's strategy, with each team's goal being to maximize wickets taken while minimizing their own losses.