Cricket Overthrows Explained
Overthrows in cricket occur when a fielder's throw misses the stumps and the ball runs loose, allowing extra runs. This guide covers overthrow rules, the famous 2019 World Cup boundary overthrow, and how they are scored.
What Are Overthrows?
Overthrows occur when a fielder throws the ball at the stumps in an attempt to run out a batter, but the throw misses the stumps — allowing the ball to travel toward the boundary. While the ball is loose, the batters can continue running, and any runs scored are called overthrows. Overthrows can turn a basic single into four or five runs unexpectedly, changing a match's course.
How Overthrows Are Scored
Overthrows are scored as part of the batting team's total. If the throw goes to the boundary, four overthrows are added. If batters have completed runs between the time the throw is made and when the ball reaches the boundary, those runs are also added to the total. Overthrows are attributed to the batter on strike when the original shot was played.
The 2019 World Cup Final Overthrow Controversy
The most controversial overthrow in cricket history occurred in the 2019 World Cup Final. With New Zealand needing 9 off 3 balls, Ben Stokes hit the ball and it deflected off his bat onto the stumps at the bowler's end after he dived. The ball then went to the boundary — umpires awarded six runs (2 runs already completed plus 4 for the boundary). New Zealand and cricket analysts later argued this was a mis-application of the Laws; the correct award may have been 5 runs only.
Fielding Discipline and Overthrow Prevention
Teams work hard in training to prevent overthrows through controlled direct-hit attempts and backup fielders positioned to stop errant throws. Backup positioning — a second fielder behind the stumps to collect a missed throw — is a fundamental fielding discipline taught at all levels. Excessive overthrows suggest poor fielding discipline and can be costly in tight matches.
Six Overthrows: The Maximum
If batters have completed one run when the throw is made and the ball then reaches the boundary, the total is six: the one run already completed plus four boundary overthrows. The 2019 World Cup Final incident produced this exact outcome — two completed runs plus four boundary overthrows. In normal play, six from overthrows is very rare but definitively possible within the Laws.
Frequently asked questions
Are overthrows counted as extras?
No. Overthrows are counted as runs off the bat — they are attributed to the batter on strike when the original shot was played. They do not appear in the extras column of the scorecard.
What happened in the 2019 World Cup Final overthrow incident?
With 9 needed off 3 balls, Ben Stokes' shot deflected off his outstretched bat to the boundary as he dived. The umpires awarded six (2 completed + 4 boundary), though this was disputed. New Zealand argued only 5 should have been awarded under the Laws.
Can batters run indefinitely on overthrows?
Batters can run as long as the ball remains in play and neither batter is dismissed. In theory they could run multiple times on overthrows before the ball is returned, though the boundary (four automatic runs) ends play in most overthrow situations.