Overthrows in Cricket: When Fielding Errors Give Extra Runs

An overthrow occurs when a fielder attempts to run out a batter and the return throw misses the stumps, allowing batters to take additional runs or the ball to reach the boundary. Overthrows can be devastating in tight matches, turning a dot ball or a single into four or even more runs.

How Overthrow Runs Are Scored

The runs scored from overthrows are added to the batting team's total and credited to the striker if they hit the ball that led to the throw. If the ball was not hit by the bat, the runs are extras. Any runs completed before the throw, plus the overthrow runs, are all counted in the total. If the overthrow reaches the boundary, four runs are added for the overthrow alone.

The 2019 World Cup Final Controversy

The most famous overthrow incident in recent history occurred in the 2019 Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand. With England needing 9 from 3 balls, Ben Stokes played the ball toward the leg side and dived to make his ground. The ball hit his outstretched bat and deflected to the boundary for four overthrow runs — six runs in total, including the two already run. This award proved crucial to England winning the trophy on boundary count.

Preventing Overthrows

Fielders are coached to back up throws at both ends to prevent overthrows from reaching the boundary. A fielder positioned behind the stumps at the throwing end acts as a second line of defence. Good communication and disciplined positioning reduce the risk of expensive overthrows.