Fielding restrictions in rain-shortened ODIs
When rain shortens an ICC ODI innings, the three fielding phases are scaled down in proportion, so a 40-over innings has phases of 8, 24 and 8 overs instead of 10, 30 and 10.
This page covers what the ICC’s men’s ODI playing conditions say about reduced-over matches; the women’s ODI rules are noted where they differ. A fielding captain needs to know which phase is running and how many fielders may be outside the circle in it, because breaking the limit is a no-ball.
How are the ODI phases scaled in a shortened innings?
The ICC’s ODI clause 28.7.2.3 reduces the number of overs in each phase using a table that covers innings of 20 to 49 overs, applied to both innings. The limits themselves do not change: no more than two fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the first phase, four in the second and five in the third. In women’s ODIs there is only the first phase (shortened by innings length, for example to 6 overs for a 28 to 32 over innings) and then a limit of four outside a 25-yard circle for the rest of the innings (women’s clause 28.7.2.4).
| Phase | Limit outside the circle | 50 overs | 40 overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 2 | 10 overs | 8 overs |
| Second | 4 | 30 overs | 24 overs |
| Third | 5 | 10 overs | 8 overs |
The 40-over line is the example given in the ICC conditions. For any other length, read the ICC’s table. See ODI fielding restrictions for the full-length rules.
What happens if the rain arrives in the middle of an over?
If an interruption means a new phase starts, the new restriction takes effect immediately, even if the break happened in the middle of an over (clause 28.7.2.4). The umpire signals the start of the second and third phases by rotating an arm in a large circle, and the scoreboard shows which phase is on.
What does an infringement cost?
The square leg umpire calls and signals a no-ball for a breach of the circle limits (clause 28.7.2.7). The leg-side limits still apply as well: no more than five fielders on the leg side, and no more than two behind the popping crease on the leg side (clause 28.4).
How should you set a field in a short chase?
- Attack in the first phase, because the batting side must score quickly and will take risks.
- Keep a slip while the ball is new, even in a short innings.
- When the second phase starts, move to a field with more boundary riders but keep a catcher in the ring.
- Check the required rate after every over, since it changes quickly in a short innings.
What should you do before the restart?
Find out how many overs remain and which phase will run when play restarts. Write the phase lengths in the notes of your plan in the planner so every fielder and bowler knows when the limit changes. Confusion over this is a common cause of illegal fields.
Frequently asked questions
Does the number of fielders allowed outside the circle change in a shortened ODI?
No. In men’s ODIs the limits stay at two, four and five and only the length of each phase is reduced. In women’s ODIs the limits stay at two, then four, and only the length of the first phase is reduced.
Is the fielding restriction reset after a rain break?
No. If the break starts a new phase, that phase takes effect immediately, even mid-over. The phases are not restarted.
Sources
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Open Cricket Field MapRelated guides
This page covers ICC ODIs. T20 and club competitions set their own reduced-over rules, so follow the umpires’ announcement of the powerplay overs.