Super Over Format in Cricket Explained
How the Super Over works as a tiebreaker in T20 and ODI cricket, what the rules are, and the most famous Super Overs in history.
What Is a Super Over?
A Super Over is a one-over-per-side eliminator used to decide a tied T20 or ODI match when a winner must be determined. If the main match ends level in score, each team nominates two batters and one bowler. Team A bats six balls; team B bats six balls. The team that scores more runs from their Super Over wins. If the Super Over is also tied, the process repeats with a second Super Over (though this has been extremely rare).
The Format Rules
- Two batters nominated — if both are dismissed, the innings ends regardless of balls remaining
- One bowler nominated — must bowl the entire over
- Normal fielding restrictions apply (two fielders outside the ring for T20)
- Extras (wides and no-balls) carry over normally and must be re-bowled
- The team that scored more runs wins; the team batting second knows the target
Tactical Considerations
The batter selection for a Super Over is a high-stakes decision. Teams choose their most reliable boundary hitters — typically two of their top three. The bowler is the most reliable death-overs specialist. Crucially, the team batting second in the Super Over knows the target, which gives them a significant advantage if the first-team score is modest — they can calculate risk precisely. If batting first, the strategy is to maximise regardless, aiming for 18–22 runs as insurance.
Most Famous Super Overs
The 2019 World Cup final Super Over (England vs New Zealand at Lord's) is the most dramatic. Jofra Archer bowled to Martin Guptill; the last ball resulted in a Stokes boundary overthrow that helped England tie the Super Over, then win on boundary count. In IPL cricket, Mumbai Indians have won multiple Super Overs against the Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings in matches that decided playoff positions.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Super Over count as a full international match?
A Super Over is part of the match, not a separate match. Statistics from the Super Over are included in the match result but are separately logged as Super Over statistics.
Can a batter be hit-wicket or obstructing-the-field in a Super Over?
Yes — all standard dismissal types apply in a Super Over. The only restriction is that the two nominated batters are the only ones who can bat.
If a bowler bowls a no-ball in a Super Over, do they re-bowl it?
Yes. A no-ball or wide results in a free hit and the delivery must be re-bowled. This effectively gives the batting team a seven-ball over at minimum.