Super Over Rules in Cricket | Explained

A Super Over method is used in the ODI and T20 formats to decide the outcome of a game if there is a tie. This method was introduced in 2008 to replace the bowl-out method used prior to that.

Rules of Super Over

If a match is tied, then both teams select 3 batters and 1 bowler for the Super Over. Both teams play one over each and the team that scores the most runs wins the match.

The fielding team captain selects the ball with which the fielding team can bowl their over and it is up to the team that is fielding second to continue with the same ball or select a new one.

It is the fielding team’s decision to decide from which end it wants to bowl and the break in between the two overs is 5 minutes.

One thing to keep in mind is that the stats of the Super Over don’t count in the player’s records.

Who can bat first in the Super Over?

The team that batted second in the match can bat first in the Super Over, while it is the bowling team’s decision from which end it wants to bowl.

How many wickets are allowed in Super Over?

2 wickets are allowed for each batting team, and both teams can select 3 batters to bat. If a batting team loses 2 wickets, then their innings concludes even if balls are left.

What if a Super Over ends in a tie?

Earlier, if a match was tied in the first Super Over, then the team that hit the most boundaries was declared the winner. But after the 2019 New Zealand vs. England World Cup final, the rule was scrapped as it was highly criticised.

Now, if a Super Over is also tied, then another Super Over will be played to decide the winner. The team that batted second in the previous Super Over will bat first in the next Super Over.

If a batter is retired out or dismissed in the first Super Over, he can’t bat again in the next Super Over. But if the same batter is retired hurt in the first Super Over, he can bat in the next Super Over.

If a bowler has bowled in the first Super Over, then the same bowler can’t bowl in the next Super Over.

If, due to unavoidable circumstances, the Super Over can’t be bowled, then the match is declared tied.

Introduction of Super Over in Cricket

The first Super Over was introduced on December 26, 2008, when the West Indies faced New Zealand.

The West Indies selected Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Xavier Marshall as their batters, while New Zealand selected off-spinner Daniel Vettori to bowl. The West Indies scored 25/1 at the end of the Super Over, thanks to Chris Gayle.

Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram opened the innings for the Kiwis, while Ross Taylor was supposed to follow if a wicket fell. The West Indies selected left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn to bowl.

New Zealand lost wickets of Oram and Taylor, as the Kiwis could score 15 runs while McCullum remained at the other end.

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