Field settings for the last 10 overs of a chase
In the last 10 overs of a chase, protect the boundary with as many fielders outside the circle as the rules allow (five in men’s matches, four in women’s) but keep a slip or catching fielder in the ring, because a wicket is worth more than a saved run when the required rate is high.
The fielding side is the one setting the field here, while the opposition chases. The right balance depends on the required run rate. When it is high, batters must take risks, and a risky shot often goes to a catcher. When it is low, batters can play safely, and boundary protection matters more.
How many fielders can be outside the circle in the last 10 overs?
In men’s matches, five: the last ODI phase is overs 41 to 50 with a maximum of five outside the 30-yard circle, and in T20 internationals the limit is five from the seventh over. In women’s ICC matches the limit is four outside a 25-yard circle in both formats. The diagram uses four, so it is legal for both. See ODI fielding restrictions for the full table.
What should the required run rate tell you?
| Required rate | What the batters will do | Field emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| High | Take risks and hit in the air | Keep a slip or catching cover, protect the boundary but invite the mistimed shot. |
| Level | Mix singles and boundaries | Balance: use all your outside fielders (five men, four women), inner ring tight to stop singles. |
| Low | Play safely and rotate strike | Take catchers away, save the single, make them take risks. |
Which boundary fielders give the best protection?
- Long off and long on for the straight hit.
- Deep midwicket for the biggest leg-side hit.
- Deep cover or deep square leg, depending on which side the batter prefers.
- The fifth rider goes on the side of the batter’s strongest scoring zone.
Why keep a slip with so many boundary fielders?
Batters under pressure play across the line and away from the body, and the edge goes behind the wicket. One slip costs a fielder inside the ring, but a single wicket can end the chase. If the batter has been playing straight and square, take the slip out and put that fielder at point or midwicket.
What about the bowling plan?
Match the bowler to the batter’s weakness, and bowl to the field. A wide yorker to a packed off side forces a risky leg-side hit, and a slower ball makes a batter swing early. Let the bowler help set the field, since they know which delivery they intend to bowl.
Frequently asked questions
Should you attack or defend in the last 10 overs of a chase?
It depends on the required rate. A high rate favours inviting risk with a catcher in place, and a low rate favours saving singles and boundaries.
How many fielders can be on the boundary in the last 10 overs?
In ICC men’s ODIs and T20 internationals, up to five outside the 30-yard circle. In women’s matches, up to four outside a 25-yard circle.
Sources
- ICC Men’s ODI Match, Clause 28: The Fielder
- ICC Men’s T20I Match, Clause 28: The Fielder
- MCC Laws of Cricket, Law 28: The Fielder (Lord’s)
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Open Cricket Field MapRelated guides
Fielding restrictions differ between competitions and age groups. Check your own playing conditions.