deathovers

Death overs is a term used in limited-overs cricket to describe the final portion of an innings. The exact span varies by format: in Twenty20 cricket, death overs typically refer to the last five overs of the innings, while in One Day Internationals and other fifty-over formats they usually denote the last eight to ten overs. The concept centers on a contest between a batting side aiming for a high run rate and a bowling side seeking to limit scoring.

For the batting team, the death overs often emphasize boundary-hitting and quick, high-risk scoring. Batsmen may use power hitters, change of pace, and rotates of strike to maximize boundaries while managing dot balls and singles. Risk increases as field restrictions ease late in the innings, and partnerships become crucial for maintaining momentum.

For the bowling side, death overs are a test of accuracy, variation, and field discipline. Teams frequently deploy specialized bowlers who can deliver yorkers, slower balls, and deceptive pace to beat batters in the death. Field settings typically encourage tight lines and lengths, with fielders placed strategically inside or outside the circle to create catching or boundary-saving opportunities. Bowlers often rely on pace changes and well-disguised slower deliveries to restrict boundaries.

The death overs have become a central strategic battleground in modern limited-overs cricket, influencing team composition, coaching, and match outcomes. They define how teams balance aggression and restraint, and how bowlers and captains plan to defend a total or pursue a target.