Overthrows Explained: When Fielding Errors Give Batters Extra Runs

An overthrow in cricket occurs when a fielder throws the ball toward the stumps or wicketkeeper and the ball travels past them — typically going to or through the boundary — allowing the batting side to score additional runs they had not originally intended. Overthrows are one of cricket's most frustrating moments for fielding teams because they result from an error that compounds the scoring from a completed run (or attempted run) with additional accidental runs.

How Overthrows Are Scored

The runs scored from an overthrow combine with any runs the batters had completed before the overthrow occurred. If a batter hits the ball, the pair complete one run, a fielder's throw goes to the boundary for four overthrow runs, the total is five runs (one completed run plus four overthrow boundary runs). These runs are recorded as part of the batter's total, not as extras — because the original hit was a legitimate shot, the overthrows flow from the stroke. If the overthrow results from a direct-hit attempt that misses the stumps and goes to the boundary, the same logic applies — the boundary overthrow runs are added to the completed runs at the time of the throw.

2019 World Cup Final Overthrow

The most controversial overthrow incident in cricket history occurred in the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final between England and New Zealand at Lord's. Ben Stokes hit the ball to deep midwicket, and while running for a second run, the ball deflected off his outstretched bat and went to the boundary. England were awarded six runs — two completed runs plus four boundary overthrow runs — on the basis of the Rules at the time. This controversial moment proved decisive: England reached the tie (and subsequently won the Super Over) with a significant contribution from those six runs. Critics argued that the deflection off the bat was accidental and should not have counted as boundary runs; the MCC subsequently reviewed and updated the Laws to clarify that if the ball deflects off the striker's person, runs after the deflection should not include a boundary.

Preventing Overthrows

Overthrows typically result from poor throwing accuracy, too much pace on the throw (making it harder for the wicketkeeper or fielder at the stumps to take), misfields by backing-up fielders (who should be positioned to stop the ball going to the boundary), or in the case of direct-hit attempts, the inherent risk of aiming at a single stump. Teams train specifically to back up throws — every throw toward the stumps should have a backing-up fielder positioned behind the wicket to stop any overthrow. Elite fielding teams minimise overthrows through backing-up discipline; weaker fielding teams can concede multiple overthrow boundaries in a single innings.