GuideOct 27, 20264 min read
Super Over and Tie-Breakers in Cricket Explained
A tied match needs a result in knockout games, and tied points need a tie-breaker in league tables. Here is how both work.
What is a tie?
A match is tied when both teams score the same number of runs and the second team is all out or has used all its overs.
The super over
Each team gets one over to bat and one over to bowl. Each side uses a maximum of two wickets, so a team is bowled out if it loses two. The team that scores more runs wins.
If the super over is tied
Tournament rules decide. Some use another super over, others look at boundaries scored or the earlier results in the tournament. Check the rules of each event.
Tie-breakers in league tables
When teams finish level on points, a usual order is most wins, then net run rate, then head-to-head. The exact order is set by each tournament.
Net run rate in short
Net run rate is the difference between the rate at which a team scores and the rate at which it concedes, across the tournament. Our net run rate guide explains the calculation.
No result and abandoned matches
If a match cannot be completed, teams usually share points. DLS may apply if enough overs have been bowled.
Quick answers
How many players bat in a super over?
Each team uses up to three batters, since only two wickets are allowed.
Who bats first in a super over?
The team that batted second in the match, in most rules.
Do Tests have super overs?
No. Test matches can be drawn or tied, but there is no super over.