EN
FR
Cricket is one of the most popular sports for betting worldwide, offering a vast range of betting markets to cater to different strategies and preferences. From outright match winners to specialised player props, understanding these markets can help you make informed bets and increase your chances of success. Whether you’re new to cricket betting or a seasoned punter, this guide will walk you through the top cricket betting markets and how to utilise them effectively.
1. Match Winner Market
The most straightforward and widely popular market in cricket betting is the Match Winner bet. Here, you simply wager on which team will win the match. This market is available for all formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) games.
Key Considerations for Match Winner Bets:
- Team Form & Head-to-Head Stats: Analyse recent performances and past encounters.
- Pitch & Weather Conditions: Favourable conditions can impact team strategies and match outcomes.
- Injury Reports & Squad Selection: Key player absences can significantly influence a team’s performance.
- Toss Factor: In certain conditions, winning the toss can provide a massive advantage.
2. Series & Tournament Outrights
Instead of betting on a single match, Outright Betting allows punters to wager on long-term outcomes, such as the winner of a tournament or a bilateral series.
Popular Outright Betting Markets:
- Tournament Winner: Predict which team will win a major competition like the Cricket World Cup, IPL, or The Ashes.
- Group Winner: Available in tournaments with multiple groups, this market focuses on which team will finish at the top of their group.
- Top Team Batsman/Bowler: Bet on which player will score the most runs or take the most wickets throughout a series or tournament.
These bets require a strong understanding of team strategies, squad depth, and long-term form.
3. Over/Under Runs (Totals Betting)
Over/Under betting, also known as Totals Betting, is where you predict whether the total number of runs in a match or innings will be over or under a specific number set by the bookmaker.
Factors Affecting Over/Under Markets:
- Pitch Conditions: Flat pitches usually produce high-scoring games, while green tops favour bowlers.
- Weather Conditions: Cloudy and humid conditions often assist fast bowlers, leading to lower scores.
- Recent Run Rates: Analysing previous games can provide insight into expected scoring trends.
Over/Under markets are great for bettors who want to focus on team performance rather than specific match outcomes.
4. Player Prop Bets (Performance Markets)
Player props allow bettors to wager on specific player performances within a match. These bets can be highly profitable if you have in-depth knowledge of individual players.
Common Player Prop Bets:
- Top Batsman: Bet on which player will score the most runs for their team.
- Top Bowler: Predict who will take the most wickets in a match.
- Player Total Runs: Betting on whether a player will score over or under a certain number of runs.
- Man of the Match: Wagering on which player will be awarded the best performer in the match.
These markets are ideal for bettors who closely follow player form, strengths, and match conditions.
5. In-Play Betting (Live Betting Markets)
Live betting allows punters to place bets while a match is in progress, providing opportunities to capitalise on changing match dynamics.
Popular In-Play Markets:
- Next Batsman to Score 50 Runs: Bet on whether an active batsman will reach a half-century.
- Next Wicket Method: Predict how the next wicket will fall (bowled, caught, LBW, etc.).
- Runs in Next Over: Bet on the number of runs to be scored in an upcoming over.
- Session Runs: Betting on how many runs will be scored within a particular session in Test cricket.
Live betting is fast-paced and requires quick decision-making, making it ideal for bettors who are watching matches live.
6. Handicap Betting in Cricket
Handicap betting is used to balance odds when there is a clear favourite in a match. It provides an advantage to the underdog or a disadvantage to the favourite to level the playing field.
Examples of Handicap Bets:
- Runs Handicap: A team starts with a virtual disadvantage (e.g., -20.5 runs) and must cover the margin to win.
- Wickets Handicap: One team is given a head start in terms of wickets.
- Session Handicap: Applies to specific sessions in Test cricket, balancing scoring differences.
Handicap markets add excitement to matches where one team is heavily favoured.
7. Special & Novelty Cricket Bets
Beyond traditional markets, many sportsbooks offer unique bets related to match events or off-field scenarios.
Examples of Special Bets:
- Coin Toss Winner: Bet on which team will win the toss.
- Fastest Fifty: Predict which player will score the quickest 50 runs in a match.
- Most Sixes: Wager on which team or player will hit the most sixes.
- Total Ducks in a Match: Betting on the number of players who will be dismissed without scoring.
These novelty bets add an extra layer of fun to cricket betting and allow bettors to wager on specific game moments.
Cricket betting offers an extensive range of markets, from traditional match winner bets to intricate player props and live betting options. Understanding these markets is crucial to developing a successful betting strategy. By analysing match conditions, player form, and betting odds, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success.
Start Betting on Cricket Today!
Join PIWI247 to explore the best odds, in-depth match previews, and exciting betting markets for all major cricket events. Sign up now and place your bets on your favourite teams and players!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best market for beginners in cricket betting?
For beginners, the Match Winner market is the simplest and most popular. It involves predicting which team will win the match and requires basic knowledge of team form and conditions.
How does in-play betting work in cricket?
In-play betting allows bettors to place wagers while the match is ongoing. Markets like “Next Wicket Method,” “Runs in Next Over,” and “Next Batsman to Score 50 Runs” are dynamic and change based on live match developments.
What is the safest bet in cricket?
There is no guaranteed safe bet, but Over/Under Runs and Top Batsman/Bowler markets are relatively lower-risk if you analyse player form and pitch conditions carefully.
Kyle Daly
Is a 35-year-old sportswriter who enjoys walking, jogging, and other physical sports. He started in different blogging platforms and is now a guest blogger for PIWI247. He loves basketball the most. Follow him on Quora today.
