Super Over Was Supposed to Happen in India-Sri Lanka First ODI: Umpires Admit Mistake, Say ICC Rules Were Misunderstood

In the first ODI of the three-match series played between India and Sri Lanka from August 2 to August 7, the umpires have acknowledged their mistake in not conducting a Super Over. The match ended in a tie.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, field umpires Joel Wilson and Ravindra Vimadasiri, along with referee Ranjan Madugalle, TV umpire Paul Reiffel, and fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, have internally admitted that the ICC rule mandates a Super Over in the case of a tied ODI match. There was some confusion regarding this, as they misunderstood the regulations.

The ICC playing regulations state that in the event of a tie, a Super Over will be played to determine the result. There was confusion among the umpires regarding whether the Sri Lankan board and BCCI had agreed to the provision of a Super Over for this tour. However, it has now been clarified that a Super Over will be played in all tied ODI matches, depending on time and circumstances.

ICC Rules for Tied ODI Matches

In the new rules issued by the ICC for ODI matches in 2023, it is stated that if the scores of both teams are tied at the end of the innings, a Super Over will be played. 

If the Super Over is also tied, additional Super Overs will be played until a winner is determined. If it is not possible to schedule a Super Over or to decide the match, the match will be declared a tie.

Match Tied Due to Two Wickets Falling in 48th Over

In the match played in Colombo, Sri Lanka scored 230 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. India needed 5 runs from the last three overs with two wickets remaining to chase a target of 231 runs. Shivam Dube hit a six, but India lost two consecutive wickets in the 48th over. 

As a result, the Indian team was all out for 230 runs in 47.5 overs, leading to a tie. The umpires did not conduct a Super Over for this match.

Sri Lanka Wins ODI Series Against India After 27 Years

Sri Lanka has won an ODI series against India after 27 years. Following a tie in the first match of the three-match ODI series, Sri Lanka defeated India by 32 runs in the second ODI. In the third and final ODI, Sri Lanka secured a victory by 110 runs, winning the series 2-0.