The T20 World Cup Super Over has produced some of the most dramatic moments in ICC tournament history, from nail-biting finishes to the first-ever Double Super Over thriller in 2026.
A Super Over in T20 World Cup matches is triggered when scores are level at the end of both innings. While ties are rare on the global stage, when they happen, they often redefine tournaments. From New Zealand’s heartbreak in 2012 to USA’s stunning upset over Pakistan in 2024 and South Africa vs Afghanistan’s epic in 2026, the list of all Super Overs in T20 World Cup history is short but unforgettable.
Here’s a complete breakdown of every T20 World Cup Super Over, along with the official rules that govern these high-pressure deciders.
👉 Track the latest T20 World Cup 2026 injury updates here.
What Is A T20 World Cup Super Over?
A T20 World Cup Super Over is used to determine a winner when a match ends in a tie, including matches affected by DLS calculations. Each team plays one additional over, and the side scoring more runs wins.
If the Super Over is tied, further Super Overs are played until there is a result — unless exceptional circumstances prevent completion.
T20 World Cup Super Over Rules Explained
The T20 World Cup Super Over rules are governed by the ICC Men’s T20 International Playing Conditions. Here’s how it works:
When Is A Super Over Played?
If the teams’ scores are equal after both innings are completed, a Super Over is played. This applies even if the match result is determined under DLS.
If the Super Over is tied, subsequent Super Overs shall be played until there is a winner. If it is not possible to complete the required Super Overs, the match is declared tied and points are shared.
How Does A Super Over Work?
- Each team faces one over of six balls.
- The team scoring more runs wins, regardless of wickets lost.
- The loss of two wickets ends the batting innings.
- The team batting second in the original match bats first in the Super Over.
- The fielding side chooses the bowling end.
- The same fielding restrictions as the final over of a regular match apply.
- A five-minute interval separates the two Super Over innings.
- Each team gets one unsuccessful review per Super Over.
Only nominated players from the original match (including concussion replacements) are eligible to participate.
What Happens If The Super Over Is Tied?
Under ICC Super Over procedure:
- Unlimited Super Overs may be played until a winner is determined.
- The team that batted second in the previous Super Over bats first in the next one.
- Any batter dismissed in a previous Super Over cannot bat again.
- Any bowler who bowled in the previous Super Over cannot bowl in the next one.
- The bowling end alternates for subsequent Super Overs.
This rule paved the way for the historic Double Super Over T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Afghanistan in 2026.
What If The Super Over Cannot Be Completed?
Extra time is allocated to complete the Super Over — either the remaining buffer from scheduled finish time or 20 minutes, whichever is greater.
If delays exceed the extra time available and the Super Over cannot be completed, the match is declared tied and points are awarded accordingly.
While these rules apply specifically to the T20 World Cup Super Over, they follow the general T20 Super Over rules used in international cricket.
T20 Super Over Rules Explained
| Rule Category | What The Rule Says | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| When Is A Super Over Played? | If scores are equal after both innings (including DLS-adjusted matches) | A Super Over in T20 World Cup matches is mandatory in tied games |
| Number Of Overs | Each team faces one over (6 balls) | Winner is team scoring more runs |
| Wickets Limit | Batting innings ends after loss of two wickets | Even if balls remain |
| Who Bats First? | Team batting second in the original match bats first in the Super Over | Order reverses from regular match |
| Fielding Restrictions | Same as final over of an uninterrupted T20 match | Powerplay rules do not apply |
| Player Reviews | One unsuccessful review allowed per team per Super Over | Independent of reviews used in match |
| Eligible Players | Only nominated players from the match (including concussion replacements) | No new players allowed |
| Ball Selection | Fielding captain selects from spare match balls (no new balls) | Opposing team may choose same or another spare ball |
| Bowling End | Fielding side chooses the end | In subsequent Super Overs, ends alternate |
| Interval Between Overs | 5 minutes between the two Super Over innings | Same applies for additional Super Overs |
| If Super Over Is Tied | Subsequent Super Overs played until winner | Unlimited, unless ICC Match Referee limits due to time |
| Repeat Super Over Restrictions | Dismissed batters cannot bat again; bowlers from previous Super Over cannot bowl next | Fresh combinations required |
| Extra Time Allocation | Extra time = remaining match buffer OR minimum 20 minutes | Used to complete Super Over(s) |
| If Super Over Cannot Be Completed | Match declared tied | Points shared as per tournament rules |
List Of All Super Overs In T20 World Cup History
The list of all Super Overs in T20 World Cup history spans multiple editions and includes some of the most dramatic finishes in ICC tournaments.
Complete Table – T20 World Cup Super Over Matches
| Year | Match | Venue | Match Scores (20 Overs) | Super Over Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | Pallekele | 174–174 | SL won (13–7) |
| 2012 | New Zealand vs West Indies | Pallekele | 140–140 | WI won (17 chased) |
| 2024 | Namibia vs Oman | Bridgetown | 109–109 | NAM won (21–10) |
| 2024 | USA vs Pakistan | Dallas | 159–159 | USA won (18–13) |
| 2026 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | Ahmedabad | 187–187 | SA won after Double Super Over |
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 2012
The first Super Over in T20 World Cup history came in Pallekele. Both sides scored 174. Sri Lanka posted 13 in the decider before Lasith Malinga conceded just seven to seal victory.
New Zealand vs West Indies – 2012
Days later, New Zealand were dragged into another tie after levelling 140. Ross Taylor powered New Zealand to 17 in the Super Over, but Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels chased it down inside five balls to hand the West Indies victory.
Namibia vs Oman – 2024
In a low-scoring contest, both teams managed 109. Namibia smashed 21 in the Super Over, while Oman could only respond with 10.
USA vs Pakistan – 2024
One of the biggest upsets in tournament history. After both sides made 159, USA posted 18 in the Super Over before restricting Pakistan to 13, creating one of the most famous T20 World Cup tied matches.
South Africa vs Afghanistan – 2026 (First Double Super Over)
The T20 World Cup Super Over reached new heights in Ahmedabad in February 2026.
South Africa and Afghanistan were tied on 187. In the first Super Over, Afghanistan posted 17, only for Tristan Stubbs to level it with a last-ball six.
The second Super Over saw South Africa hammer 23, powered by David Miller. Afghanistan threatened through Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s three consecutive sixes, but Keshav Maharaj held his nerve on the final ball to seal a four-run victory.
It was the first-ever Double Super Over T20 World Cup match and instantly became one of the greatest finishes in ICC history.
2007 India vs Pakistan – The Bowl-Out Before Super Overs
Before the introduction of the Super Over in T20 World Cup tournaments, ties were decided by bowl-outs.
In the inaugural 2007 edition in Durban, India and Pakistan were tied on 141. India hit all three targets, while Pakistan missed theirs — a moment that helped spark cricket’s fascination with sudden-death finishes.
How Many T20 World Cup Super Overs Have There Been?
Including the 2026 edition, there have been five matches decided by a Super Over in T20 World Cup history, with one of them extending into a Double Super Over.
Given the pressure of global tournaments and the increasing competitiveness of teams, the T20 World Cup Super Over remains one of the sport’s most dramatic tie-breaking methods — a stage where entire campaigns can hinge on six deliveries, or sometimes, twelve.
As future editions unfold, the list of all Super Overs in T20 World Cup history may grow — but the tension they deliver will remain unmatched.
Check where to watch T20 World Cup 2026 worldwide. For schedule, venues and latest updates, see our T20 World Cup 2026 news page.
How many wickets are allowed in a Super Over?
Only two wickets are allowed in a Super Over. Once two batters are dismissed, the innings ends even if deliveries remain.
What happens if a Super Over is tied?
If a Super Over is tied, another Super Over is played. Under ICC rules, multiple Super Overs can be played until there is a winner. However, if time constraints prevent completion, the match is declared tied.
Can there be two Super Overs in one match?
Yes. A match can have two or more Super Overs if the first one ends in a tie. The South Africa vs Afghanistan Super Over in the 2026 T20 World Cup was the first Double Super Over in T20 World Cup history.
What was the South Africa vs Afghanistan Super Over scorecard?
In the 2026 T20 World Cup:
Regular match: 187–187
1st Super Over: 17–17
2nd Super Over: South Africa 23, Afghanistan 19
It became the first Double Super Over in T20 World Cup history.
