Why the Super Over Is So Super

We are midway through week three of IPL 2009, which is this year being staged in South Africa, the tournament so far has been a success and very well received.

Until today at least the only thing that had been missing from the IPL were gigantic scores, which we have gotten so accustomed to with the advent of Twenty20 Cricket.

The Rajastan Royals, today posted an imposing, total of 211-4 and ran out victors by 78 runs against the Kings 11 Punjab, it was the first score of over 200 in IPL 2009.

The Royals were involved in an extraordinary match two weeks ago, against the Kolkatta Knight, Riders, the Knight Riders appeared to be cruising to victory, but a brilliant last over bowled by Kamran Khan, enabled last years champions to tie with the Knight Riders.

In the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, there was just one occasion in which a game finished in a tie, that was between India and Pakistan, in the group stages, the outcome of the match was decided by way of a bowl out, which India triumphed 3-0.

After such a compelling game which has thrilled fans around the world, a bowl out just does not seem a fair or appropriate way to end proceedings, asking bowlers to bowl at a blank set of stumps is not something that is ever going to occur in a real match situation, therefore who comes out on top on a bowl out, is simply the side that has lady luck on their side.

With all that being said, it would be an anti-climax to simply award equal points to teams for a tied game, therefore I have to say the Super Over that was used when the Royals tied with the Knight Riders, was a superb innovation.

It is a bit like extra time in soccer; however, in the case of the super over, each team must nominate three batsman and one bowler, for what is essentially a one over a side contest.

The Knight riders batted first and courtesy of some lusty blows from West Indies Captain Chris Gayle were able to reach 15-1 from their allot ed one over, Yusuf Pathan however made a mockery of the target of 16, smashing 6,2,6,4 to seal the match in the Super over convincingly for the Royals.

Sure there is still a large element of luck involved in the Super Over, but surely having tied matches decided in a way which still allows players to use their skills just as they would in a match situation, is fairer for both players and fans a like.

The Super Over would appear to be here to stay, which has to be great news for Cricket and its fans both in terms of rewarding good quality play, and providing exhilarating entrainment.