Cricket Super Over Rules: How the Super Over Works in T20 and ODIs
Learn exactly how the cricket Super Over works — when it is used, the rules for Super Over batting and bowling, ties in Super Overs, and famous Super Over moments.
The Super Over is cricket's answer to a tie at the end of a limited-overs match. When both teams have scored exactly the same number of runs at the end of their innings, a single-over playoff decides the winner. It is cricket's most concentrated form — 6 balls, 2 wickets, maximum tension.
When Is a Super Over Used?
A Super Over is used when a T20 or ODI match ends in a tie — both teams have scored exactly the same total runs at the conclusion of their innings. It applies in knockout matches and some group stage matches where a winner must be determined. Not all competitions use Super Overs — some use DLS or other methods in rain-affected ties.
Super Over Rules
- Each team bats for 1 over (6 legal deliveries) with 2 wickets in hand
- If 2 wickets fall before the over is complete, the innings ends
- Any player who batted in the main innings can bat in the Super Over, except those dismissed (in some competition rules, all batsmen are available)
- The bowling team chooses which bowler delivers the Super Over — the same bowler who delivered the main innings' final over may not bowl the Super Over (in some competition regulations)
- The team that scores more in the Super Over wins
- If the Super Over is also tied, the process may repeat OR the team with more boundaries in the match wins (competition-dependent)
The 2019 World Cup Final: Cricket's Most Controversial Super Over
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final between England and New Zealand is the most famous Super Over in cricket history. Both teams scored 241 in their 50-over innings. In the Super Over, both teams scored 15 runs from 6 balls — the Super Over itself tied. England were declared the winner on the tie-breaking criterion of most boundaries scored in the match: 26 to New Zealand's 17.
IPL Super Over Rules
In the IPL, if the Super Over is tied, further Super Overs are bowled until a winner is determined. Each subsequent Super Over uses the same rules. The team that wins the coin toss for the Super Over chooses whether to bat or bowl first.
Famous Super Over Moments
- New Zealand vs England, 2019 World Cup Final: Both Super Over and match tied — England won on boundary count, sparking global debate
- West Indies vs Afghanistan, 2016 World T20: Carlos Brathwaite hit consecutive sixes in the final over to win; no Super Over was required (England won that tournament final differently)
- IPL 2019, Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings qualifier: A tense Super Over decided a playoff berth
- South Africa vs Pakistan, 2021 T20I: Both teams tied — Super Over provided a decisive result after the regulation game deadlock
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the Super Over is tied in cricket?
The answer depends on the competition. Under current ICC rules (post-2019 amendment), a second Super Over is bowled if the first ties. In older tournaments and some domestic leagues, the team with more boundaries in the match (or the match and Super Over combined) was declared the winner. The ICC now uses repeated Super Overs to avoid boundary-count tiebreakers.
Can the same batsmen who batted at the end of the innings bat in the Super Over?
Teams can choose any two eligible batsmen from their lineup for the Super Over — but in many competition regulations, only not-out batsmen from the main innings can bat. Competition regulations vary, so the available pool of batsmen depends on the specific tournament rules.
Has a Super Over ever decided a World Cup match before 2019?
The 2019 World Cup Final was the first World Cup match decided by a Super Over. The format has been used in T20 World Cup matches and bilateral series Super Overs, but the 2019 ODI World Cup Final was the first time the format had been used in a multi-format World Cup final.
Is the Super Over used in Test cricket?
No. Test cricket can result in a draw — an outcome unique to the format. Ties are extremely rare in Test cricket (only two have ever occurred in all of Test history). There is no Super Over or other tiebreaker in Test cricket; a draw stands as a result if time runs out.