Super Over in Cricket: The Ultimate Tiebreaker Explained
When scores are level at the end of a limited-overs match, a Super Over decides the winner — learn how the format works, the controversies around it, and its most famous moments.
What Is a Super Over?
A Super Over is a one-over elimination used to determine a winner when a limited-overs cricket match ends in a tie — both teams scoring the same number of runs in their respective innings. Each team selects two batters and one bowler for their Super Over. Both sides bat one over each; the team scoring more runs wins the match.
Super Over Format
- Each team nominates two batters and one bowler before their Super Over
- If two wickets fall in the Super Over, the innings ends — the team's score at that point stands
- The team batting second in the main match bats first in the Super Over
- If the Super Over itself ends in a tie, further Super Overs may be played (in most formats) until a winner is determined
The 2019 World Cup Final Controversy
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final between England and New Zealand is the most famous Super Over in history — and the most controversial. Both teams scored the same runs in the Super Over (15 each). England were declared winners because they had scored more boundaries in the match. This rule was widely criticised as an absurd tiebreaker, and the ICC subsequently changed it — if a Super Over ties, another Super Over is now played rather than using boundaries.
Famous Super Overs
Beyond 2019, Super Overs have decided several dramatic T20Is and bilateral series matches. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler of England batted in the 2019 final Super Over. In IPL and other T20 leagues, Super Overs are relatively common given the volume of matches and closeness of competition.
Does Super Over Apply in Test Cricket?
No. A tied Test match — one in which both teams finish with equal totals after both innings — is recorded as a tie and both teams receive points as per tournament rules. There is no Super Over tiebreaker in Test cricket. Tied Tests are extremely rare — fewer than two dozen in over 2,000 Test matches played in history.
Frequently asked questions
How many Super Overs can be played in one match?
Under ICC rules since 2020, unlimited Super Overs can be played until a winner is determined. Each subsequent Super Over uses different nominated batters and bowlers.
Can the same bowler bowl two consecutive Super Overs?
No. A bowler who bowls in one Super Over cannot bowl the immediately subsequent one. A new bowler must be nominated, ensuring multiple bowlers contribute across consecutive Super Overs.
What is a 'tied match' vs a 'no result'?
A tied match means both teams completed their allotted overs with equal scores. A no-result occurs when minimum overs were not completed due to weather or other interruptions — the match is abandoned without a result, not tied.