Cricket Over Explained: Super Overs & Number of Balls
Cricket might seem confusing if you are just starting out, especially around the rules for overs and how close matches are decided. Whether you are watching for the first time or thinking about how these details shape betting markets, it helps to know what terms like super over and number of balls really mean.
This article breaks down the basics of overs, then explains how ties are settled and what that means in real match situations. Read on to learn more.
What Is an Over in Cricket?
An over is a building block of the game. It is a set of six legal deliveries bowled by one player from one end of the pitch to a batter at the other. Once those six legal balls are bowled, another bowler takes over from the opposite end. This alternation tests both teams in different conditions and keeps play balanced.
The number of overs depends on the format. Twenty20 matches give each team 20 overs, One Day Internationals allow 50 overs per side, and Test cricket has no fixed limit, unfolding over several days. Because each over creates a small tactical window, captains plan which bowlers to use, when to attack, and how to manage the field. For example, a quick bowler might be used with a new ball to chase swing, while a spinner may come on later when the pitch is worn.
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How Many Balls Are in an Over?
In standard play, an over consists of six legal deliveries. Only balls the umpire deems legal count towards that total. Wides and no-balls do not reduce the remaining count, so the bowler must deliver extra balls until six legal deliveries have been completed.
That is why an over might contain more than six balls in practice. Imagine a sequence with four legal balls, then a no-ball and a wide, followed by two more legal deliveries. The scorecard still records six legal balls in the over, but eight were actually bowled.
While cricket has used different lengths of over in the past, six is the accepted standard in the professional game played in the UK.
What Happens After an Over?
Once an over ends, the strike changes and the batters switch ends. A new bowler operates from the opposite end, and the fielding side often shuffles positions to suit the fresh plan. This rotation matters. Wind direction, footmarks from previous overs, or a left-hand and right-hand batting pair can all shape how the next over is approached.
Umpires rotate as well. The official who stood at the non-striker’s end during the over moves behind the stumps at the bowler’s end, and the other umpire takes the non-striker’s position. That simple swap supports consistent decision-making from both ends throughout the match.
Because the game resets slightly with each over, you may often see momentum swing during these changeovers, especially when a new bowler brings a different pace or trajectory.
What Is a Super Over in Cricket?
A super over is a tie-break used in some limited-overs matches when the teams finish level on runs. It is essentially a short, decisive contest: each side bats for one extra over and bowls one extra over, and the higher score in that mini contest wins the match.
Teams select their participants from the players already involved in the match. Typically, three batters are nominated and one bowler is chosen. Runs and wickets from the main game do not carry over, so the super over begins with a clean slate. That is why selections are often bold, with power hitters and a trusted bowler given the responsibility.
To picture it, think of a T20 game tied at 160. Team A bats first in the super over and strikes 12. Team B then chases 13 from six legal deliveries. If Team B reaches 13, they win. If both teams finish on the same number again, competition rules decide what happens next.
How Many Balls Are in a Super Over?
Just like a standard over, a super over consists of six legal deliveries for each team. Wides or no-balls add to the number of balls actually bowled, but the count of legal deliveries must reach six. Only three batters can take part, and if two wickets fall, that team’s super over ends even if deliveries remain.
Selections are restricted to the players who took part in the match, and the same individual cannot bowl for both teams. Other conditions, such as which end is used and how the ball is chosen, are set out in the playing regulations for the competition.
If the super over also finishes level, the event’s rules apply. Some competitions go straight to another super over, while others use pre-set criteria to separate the teams.
Super Over Rules in T20 and ODI Matches
The super over appears most often in T20 cricket and in limited-overs competitions where a winner must be confirmed. A fresh toss is usually held to decide who bats first, and captains then nominate their participants. The short format makes every small decision count, from which batter faces the first ball to who guards the boundary.
In ODI cricket, a super over can be used when a result is required, for example in a knockout match. In other fixtures, the match can be recorded as a tie, depending on the tournament’s playing conditions. Fielding restrictions, ball selection, and eligibility rules are all documented before the event, and they can vary between competitions, so teams prepare for those details in advance.
The key point is that the super over is a self-contained contest. It does not rewrite what happened earlier in the match, it simply provides a clear way to separate the teams when required.
Bet on Cricket Online at Mr Luck
If you want to explore cricket betting with straightforward information, Mr Luck offers a clear, easy-to-use platform for UK players. You can follow domestic and international fixtures, view markets linked to overs, runs, wickets and more, and place your bets with transparent odds and helpful match data.
Mr Luck is licensed and regulated in the UK, and the site explains how each market is settled, including tie-break scenarios such as the super over. Support is available if you need guidance before you bet, and safer gambling tools like deposit limits and time reminders help you manage your play.
Take a look at the cricket section to see what is on offer, check the market rules for the fixtures that interest you, and place your bets when you are ready. With a better grasp of overs and super overs, you might find it easier to read the match situation and enjoy the action with confidence.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
 *All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.