Big Bash removes boundary countback rule in light of World Cup Final

If the scores are level after both the end of the game and then again at the end of the Super Over, subsequent Super Overs will be played out until there is a winner

Cricket Australia have removed the boundary countback rule from the men’s and women’s Big Bash competitions ahead of the beginning of both tournaments.

The little-known regulation came to prominence at the culmination of the World Cup, with England beating New Zealand by virtue of hitting more boundaries after both the initial game and its subsequent Super Over had ended in a tie.

Thus, the Big Bash has sought to avoid a similarly controversial ending; indeed, the semi-final of last season’s Women’s Big Bash between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades was decided by a Super Over.

As a result, the Big Bash could now see multiple Super Overs enforced in order to determine a winner of a final.

If the scores are level after both the end of the game and then again at the end of the Super Over, subsequent Super Overs will be played out until there is a winner.

The new rule applies only to matches after the regular season, with all tied Super Overs in the initial group phase seeing the points shared between the teams.

Previously, games still tied after a Super Over in the group stage were decided on a boundary countback.

The new conditions state that there can be an “unlimited amount” of Super Overs in finals. However, when there are time constraints on the game, such as venue licences or broadcast limits, the number of Super Overs can then be limited by Cricket Australia.

If Super Overs are ultimately unable to split the teams, the higher-placed team will be handed the victory.

Alistair Dobson, head of Big Bash Leagues, explained: “The Super Over has been a discussion point globally after the ICC Cricket World Cup Final. The WBBL04 Semi-Final between the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades gave us valuable insight into the feelings of teams and fans towards Super Overs.”