Explained: Powerplay Rules in Women’s ODI and T20 Cricket

The powerplay overs are a crucial aspect of modern-day limited-overs cricket. And they are even more significant in women’s cricket, where the powerplay rules differ a bit from those in the men’s format.

So, in this article, we’ll look at the powerplay rules implemented in Women’s ODI and T20 cricket.

Powerplay Over Rules in Women’s ODI Cricket

Similar to Men’s ODIs, a Women’s ODI (WODI) match lasts for 50 overs per side. But unlike the men’s version, which has 3 powerplays, the Women’s ODI cricket has only 1 mandatory powerplay.

The mandatory powerplay lasts for a block of 10 overs, which starts from the 1st over and runs till the 10th over of a WODI innings. The full 10-over powerplay applies to a 50-over innings.

If there is any reduction in the overs of the batting team’s innings before the match kicks off or the powerplay phase is completed, then the powerplay overs will also be reduced accordingly.

For instance, if a WODI match is reduced to 42 overs per side, the mandatory powerplay will be 8 overs (1 to 8 overs).

Consider another scenario where a 50 overs innings starts but the game is interrupted after 6 overs and has been reduced to 36 overs on resumption, then the powerplay will run till the 7th over.

What are the fielding restrictions during the powerplay in Women’s ODIs?

During the mandatory powerplay, only 2 fielders can be placed outside the 25-yard circle. Once the powerplay is over, the fielding team can station 4 fielders outside the circle for the rest of the innings.

Also Read | What is the ICC Women’s Championship?

Powerplay Over Rules in Women’s T20 Cricket

The powerplay rules in T20 cricket are the same across men’s and women’s versions. During a 20 overs per side match, there is only 1 mandatory powerplay, which runs from the 1st over until the 6th over.

The number of powerplay overs might change depending on the length of a Women’s T20 innings. If an innings is reduced to 14 overs, then only the first 4 overs will be considered powerplay.

What are the fielding restrictions during the powerplay in Women’s T20s?

The fielding restrictions are the same as the Women’s ODIs. For the mandatory powerplay, only 2 fielders are allowed to field outside the 25-yard circle. After completion of the powerplay, 2 more fielders can be placed outside the circle, taking the number of fielders to 4.

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