How does a super over work?
I · Intermediate · How does a match work, and how is it won? · 13 of 19Checked 13 October 2026
When an ODI or T20 international is tied, each side bats one over of six balls. The side scoring more wins, whatever the wickets. Losing two wickets ends that side's over. If the super over is also tied, more super overs follow until there is a winner.
How it works
- It starts about five minutes after the match, with five minutes between the two overs.
- The side that batted second in the match bats first in the super over.
- The fielding side chooses the end to bowl from and picks the ball from a box of used match balls, not a new one.
- The fielding restrictions are those of the last over of a full match.
- Each side has one unsuccessful review per super over.
- Only players in the match, including concussion replacements, can take part.
- In a repeat super over: the order of batting swaps, each side uses its previous ball and bowls from the other end, batters out in an earlier super over cannot bat, and the bowler from the previous one cannot bowl.
- If the super overs cannot be finished, for weather or time, the match is a tie.
Tricky cases
What happens if the super over is tied?
Another super over, and so on until there is a winner, unless time or weather stops it.
Do wickets count in a super over?
Only as an end: two wickets end the over. The result goes by runs alone.
Can the same bowler bowl in the next super over?
No. Whoever bowled the previous super over cannot bowl the next.
Is there a super over in a Test?
No. A tied Test stays a tie.
Why the rule exists
A short, fair decider gives limited-overs matches a winner without replaying them.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ICC men's ODIs and T20 internationals | Super over, repeated until a winner | PC-O 16.3.1.1, App F; PC-I 16.3.1.1 |
| ICC men's Tests and the Laws | No super over | PC-T 16.3; L16.5 |
From the rule book
ICC men's ODI and T20I playing conditions, clause 16.3 and Appendix F, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ICC playing conditions (PDF).