Cricket betting is not just about placing wagers on the winner of a match. There are so many exciting betting options that you can dive into, whether you’re a newbie or an experienced bettor. The key to successful betting is understanding the different types of bets available and how to make the best choices based on the game.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular betting options in cricket, giving you a clear picture of what to bet on and how to increase your chances of making smart, profitable wagers.
1. Match Winner
This is the simplest and most popular cricket bet—just pick which team you think will win the match. Whether it’s a Test match, T20, or ODI, this bet is easy to understand and offers a good introduction to cricket betting.
But don’t just go with your favorite team. Look at the form of both teams, the pitch conditions, and the players. A team might be a fan favorite, but if they’ve been struggling lately, it could affect the odds.
Pro Tip: Always check the weather and pitch report before betting. Conditions can change the game, making one team more likely to win.
2. Top Batsman/Bowler
In cricket, individual performances often shine through, so betting on the top batsman or bowler can be quite rewarding. This type of bet lets you wager on who you think will score the most runs (batsman) or take the most wickets (bowler) in a match.
These bets tend to have higher odds because they are harder to predict. But if you’re a cricket fan who knows the players’ strengths and weaknesses, this bet can be very profitable.
Example: If you’re betting on a T20 match and you know a certain batsman has been in great form, you might place your bet on them to be the highest run-scorer.
3. Over/Under Runs
The over/under bet is based on predicting whether the total number of runs scored in a match will be higher or lower than a set figure determined by the bookmaker.
For example, a bookmaker might set the line for total runs at 300. You’ll bet on whether the total number of runs will be over or under that figure. It’s an interesting bet because you don’t have to pick a winner, just predict the total runs.
Pro Tip: Study the conditions and recent team performances. A dry pitch might make a high score more likely, while a wet pitch could favor bowlers.
4. Method of Next Dismissal
This bet allows you to predict how the next wicket will fall. Common options include:
- Bowled
- Caught
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
- Run Out
- Stumped
The odds for this bet depend on factors like the bowler’s style and the batter’s weaknesses. For example, a spinner might be more likely to get a batsman caught out, while a fast bowler could knock down stumps more often.
Pro Tip: Understanding a batter’s tendencies is key here. Some players are more prone to being caught in the slips, while others might struggle against spin bowling.
5. In-Play Betting (Live Betting)
In-play or live betting is a great way to bet on cricket as the match unfolds. Instead of placing all your bets before the game, you can place wagers during the match, based on the current situation.
For example, if a batsman is in great form and you feel they might score a century, you could place a bet on them to be the top batsman, even after the game has started. Live betting allows you to capitalize on real-time information, which can sometimes offer better value than pre-match bets.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on live stats and match momentum. If one team is starting to dominate, you might be able to place a smart bet before the odds adjust.
6. Outright Winner (Tournaments)
Outright winner bets are placed on who will win a tournament or league, like the Indian Premier League (IPL) or the ICC Cricket World Cup. You’re betting on the winner before the tournament starts, which can be a bit riskier, but it often comes with higher rewards.
This type of bet requires a bit more research. You need to know the teams, their form leading up to the tournament, player injuries, and other factors that could influence the outcome.
Pro Tip: The earlier you place the bet, the higher the odds you’ll likely get. But don’t bet on just any team—study the squads and their performance history.
7. Player Performance Bets
This is a fun bet that focuses on individual players and their performance in the match. You can bet on things like:
- Player to score a half-century or century
- Player to take a certain number of wickets
- Player to hit the most sixes or boundaries
These bets are perfect if you follow certain players closely and can predict their performances based on recent form.
Example: If a player has been hitting sixes consistently in recent matches, you might bet on them to hit the most sixes in an upcoming match.
8. Toss Winner
The toss can often have a significant impact on the outcome of a cricket match, especially in certain conditions. The toss winner bet lets you place a wager on which team will win the coin toss.
While this is a fun and simple bet, it’s not the most reliable in terms of profit. However, if you’re watching a match and know that one team would prefer to bat or bowl in particular conditions, it could be an interesting side bet.
Pro Tip: The toss is important, but don’t base your entire betting strategy on it. Use it as part of your overall research.
9. First Innings Runs
This bet allows you to predict the total number of runs scored by a team in the first innings. You’ll often find lines like Under/Over for a specific number of runs.
This bet is quite similar to the Over/Under Runs bet but focuses on just one team. It’s a great bet to place if you have a strong understanding of the team’s batting strength or if the pitch is expected to favor one side.
Conclusion: Which Cricket Bets Are Right for You?
When it comes to cricket betting, the options are endless. From match winners to in-play betting, each type of bet offers something different. As a beginner, it’s wise to start with simple bets like Match Winner or Top Batsman/Bowler and gradually explore other options as you gain more experience.
The key to successful betting is understanding the game, studying players and teams, and making decisions based on research, not just emotions. With the right knowledge and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to place smarter bets and enjoy the excitement of cricket betting to the fullest.
Happy betting, and may the odds be in your favor!
Mayank Chaudhary is a former Indian domestic cricketer, now working as a cricket analyst. With years of on-field experience and deep insight into the dynamics of the game and the world of cricket betting, he now shares his expertise to help fellow cricket enthusiasts make smarter, more informed bets. Learn more on the About Me page.