What happens if the fielding side is too slow in the WBBL?
Rule- Australia
- Cricket Australia
- WBBL
- Playing conditions
- 2025/26
- Fans
There are two stages.
First stage: the fielding side must be in position to bowl the first ball of the final over of the innings by 73 minutes of playing time (the cut-off time). For a reduced innings the cut-off is based on the reduced time available, plus two extra minutes. If the cut-off is missed, from the next delivery after the cut-off time and for the rest of the innings no more than 3 fielders (instead of 4) are permitted outside the fielding restriction area. If those overs coincide with the Power Surge, a maximum of 2 fielders are permitted outside it.
Second stage: once the cut-off time is reached, the fielding team has 5:45 to complete the innings (the finish time). Once the finish time is reached and the ball becomes dead, Powerplay restrictions apply from the next delivery for the rest of the innings, with no more than 2 fielders outside the fielding restriction area.
Updated 24 Oct 2026