Two balls to be used per ODI innings

Islamabad: Two new balls will be used by a fielding side from each end in one-day cricket when revised rules for the international game come into force at the turn of the week.

The changes to playing conditions were approved by the International Cricket Council's Executive Board in May, following proposals from its Cricket Committee.

Besides two new balls, to be used in alternate overs, there will also be a change in powerplays in ODIs.

The total number of powerplay overs will remain at 20 per innings with the first block of 10 being at the start of the innings.

"The remaining second and third block of [five] powerplay overs may not be taken so as to commence earlier than the 16th over nor be completed later than the 40th over," the ICC said yesterday in a statement.

The restrictions will not apply for reduced innings of a scheduled duration of less than 40 overs.