In cricket, when both teams score the same number of runs, the match goes into a Super Over to determine the winner. The Super Over system was introduced to fix tied matches, with the first-ever instance taking place in 2008 during a match between New Zealand and the West Indies in Auckland. Rules of the Super Over.
However, Super Over matches have often flashed controversy due to the regulations set by the ICC. The most notable controversy arose during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s between England and New Zealand.
In that final, both teams ended their innings with the same score. New Zealand batted first and posted 241 runs for the loss of eight wickets. In response, England also managed 241 runs, losing all their wickets in the process, leading the match to a Super Over. However, even in the Super Over, the scores remained level.
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England, batting first, scored 15 runs, and New Zealand matched the total with 15 runs of their own. This forced a second Super Over, but even then, the match remained tied. As per ICC rules at the time, the team that had hit more boundaries throughout the match was declared the winner. Based on this controversial rule, England was crowned champions over New Zealand, which led to widespread criticism in the cricketing world.
Later that year, the ICC quickly revised the rules to ensure that no match would end in a tie. According to the updated rule, Super Overs would continue until a winner was determined.
Key Rules of the Super Over in Cricket
Player Selection
» Each team must select three batters and one bowler from their playing XI for the Super Over.
» Each team gets one over to bat, and the team scoring more runs wins the match.
Batting Rules
» The team that batted second in the main match will bat first in the Super Over.
» If a batter gets out in one Super Over, they cannot bat again in subsequent Super Overs.
Fielding Regulations
» Fielding positions must be rearranged after the end of the main match.
Result Determination
» Super Overs will continue until a winner is decided.
» The team with the higher score in the Super Over wins the match.
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