Cricket, recognised worldwide as one of the most popular sports, is especially widespread in India and the countries of the British Commonwealth. The variety of game formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODI), and Twenty20 (T20), contributes to a dynamic and continuously growing market for cricket betting. The increased availability of online betting platforms combined with the widespread use of mobile technology has significantly boosted participation in cricket betting globally.
1. Match Outcome and Result Betting
The simplest and most common type of cricket bet is on the match winner, also known as moneyline betting. Depending on the match format, these bets can be two-way or three-way. In ODIs and T20s, where draws are rare, two-way markets are usually offered, allowing bets on either team to win. However, in Test matches, which can last up to five days, draws are more likely, so bookmakers often offer three-way markets including the draw option. The rarity of draws in shorter formats makes two-way betting the norm, and players should note that the format directly affects the available outcome options.
Besides betting on a clear winner, special bets on draws are often available, especially in the context of Test matches. Although draws are less common in ODI and T20 formats, the option to bet on a draw in Tests can offer attractive odds due to the low probability of such an outcome.
2. Runs Betting Markets
Runs betting markets offer many options for players wishing to bet on cricket match scoring. A popular option is betting on the total number of runs (over/under), where players wager whether the total runs scored in the match (or a particular innings) will be more or less than a number set by the bookmaker. This type of bet allows players to use their knowledge of team strengths, player form, and pitch conditions to predict the overall scoring rate. Factors such as the quality of batting and bowling line-ups, pitch nature (for example, flat pitches tend to be higher scoring), and weather conditions can influence the total runs scored.
For those seeking quicker results, bets on runs scored on the first ball or first over are available. These short-term bets often have high odds and depend heavily on luck and the initial mindset of batsmen and bowlers. The very first deliveries of a cricket match can be unpredictable.
Players can also bet on the total runs scored by a specific batsman in his innings. This bet type allows players to use knowledge of individual player form, their historical performance against the opposition bowlers, and their usual batting position. Recent form, track record against the specific bowling attack, and typical role in the batting order are all important factors when predicting a batsman’s total runs.
Finally, there is the option to bet on the total runs scored by a particular team in the entire match or in a specific innings. Similar to total match runs bets but focused on one team, this option can be useful when there is a significant difference in team strengths.
3. Wickets and Dismissals Betting
Wicket-taking and dismissal bets offer another exciting way to bet on cricket. Bets on the top bowler involve predicting which bowler will take the most wickets in a match or tournament. This market requires knowledge of bowling styles, pitch conditions favouring certain types of bowlers (e.g., spin versus pace), and individual bowler form. Spin-friendly pitches are likely to see spinners taking more wickets, while fast bowlers may excel on pitches with extra bounce and seam movement. Recent wicket-taking form and historical records against the opposition batsmen are also important factors to consider.
Players can also bet on the total wickets to be taken in a match or innings. This can be influenced by the overall quality of batting and bowling sides, as well as pitch conditions. Matches between strong batting teams and weaker bowling attacks may result in fewer wickets, whereas contests between high-quality bowling attacks and less experienced batsmen may see more dismissals. Pitch characteristics (for example, green pitches with seam movement) can also increase wicket numbers by assisting bowlers.
Bets on the mode of dismissal involve predicting how the next batsman will be dismissed (e.g., caught, bowled, LBW, run out, stumped, hit wicket). This market allows very specific predictions based on the current bowler, batsman tendencies, and match situation. A spinner bowling to a batsman weak against spin may increase the chance of stumping or caught behind dismissals. A fast bowler generating good pace and swing may lead to more bowled or caught dismissals.
4. Individual Player Performance Betting
Bets on individual player performances allow players to focus on specific cricketers. Bets on the top batsman involve predicting which batsman will score the most runs for his team or in the entire match. This type of bet requires analysis of the player’s form, batting position, and historical performance against the opposition bowling attack. A batsman in good form, batting higher up the order (increasing scoring opportunities), and with a good record against the bowlers he will face is a strong candidate for top scorer.
Man of the Match bets involve wagering on which player will be named the best player of the match. Although more speculative, as the award is subjective, it often goes to a player with a significant contribution either in batting or bowling.
Bets on batsman versus bowler matchups allow betting on which of the two selected players will score more runs or take more wickets in the match. This bet type enables direct comparison focusing on individual contests.
Other player-specific bets include whether a batsman will score fifty or a hundred runs, or how many boundaries he will hit. These bets provide more detailed ways to wager on individual performances beyond just runs or wickets.
5. Tournament and Series Outcome Betting
For those interested in long-term bets, tournament outcome markets involve predicting which team will win an entire cricket tournament, such as the World Cup or Indian Premier League (IPL). This type of bet requires understanding team strengths, historical tournament performance, and player availability throughout the competition.
Series winner bets involve wagering on which team will win the majority of matches in a series between two teams. This requires considering head-to-head results, team form in the specific series format, and home/away advantages. When betting on series winners, it is important to consider recent head-to-head results, current form, and if one team has a significant home advantage throughout the series.
Series score bets involve predicting the final score of a Test series (e.g., 3-0 victory) or whether the total points will be over or under a set forecast. This bet type is more specific and often offers higher odds, requiring strong confidence in the relative strengths and weaknesses of teams over a longer period.
Other Popular Cricket Bets
Besides the main betting categories, many other popular options attract players:
- Toss winner bets involve wagering on which team will win the coin toss at the start of the match.
- Most sixes/fours bets involve betting on which team or player will hit the most sixes or fours in a match or innings. This requires knowledge of teams and players known for aggressive batting styles and field sizes.
- Highest first partnership runs bets involve betting on which team will score the most runs before losing their first wicket.
- Total boundaries bets involve betting on the total number of fours and sixes hit in a match or innings. Similar to most sixes/fours bets but combining both types of boundaries.
Betting on Regional Cricket (IPL and Big Bash League)
The popularity of betting on major domestic T20 leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL) is undeniable. These leagues, with their high frequency of matches, star players, and exciting T20 format, offer numerous betting opportunities.
Popular specific betting markets in these leagues include betting on the outright IPL/BBL winner, top batsman/bowler (both for individual matches and the entire tournament), total runs/sixes in a match, individual player performance bets such as scoring fifty or taking a certain number of wickets, and extensive in-play betting markets available for virtually every ball and over. These leagues are often accompanied by special promotions and bonuses from bookmakers. The shorter format and intense competition in leagues like IPL and BBL lead to a wide range of betting markets catering to casual fans and experienced bettors alike.