How to Bet on Cricket – Cricket Betting Made Easy

Know the Format

The three main formats of cricket – Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) – each have their own unique characteristics and require different betting approaches. Test matches, played over five days, are a marathon, not a sprint. They are heavily influenced by changing pitch conditions, weather patterns, and the ebb and flow of momentum. ODIs and T20s, on the other hand, are much faster-paced, with a greater emphasis on aggressive batting and quick scoring. Understanding the nuances of each format is crucial for making accurate predictions. For instance, a player who excels in Test cricket might not be as effective in the shorter formats.

Research the Teams

Don’t just bet on your favourite team based on loyalty. Thoroughly research the teams involved in a match. Look at their recent form, head-to-head records, player strengths and weaknesses, and any injury concerns. Consider how teams have performed in similar conditions and against similar opponents. Delve into player statistics, such as batting averages, bowling strike rates, and fielding records. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be for your cricket betting. 

Consider Pitch Conditions

Pitch conditions play a crucial role for any bet on cricket. A dry, dusty pitch might favour spin bowlers, while a green, bouncy pitch could be a paradise for fast bowlers. Assess the pitch conditions before placing your bets and consider how they might influence the style of play and the overall outcome of the match. Additionally, keep an eye on the weather forecast, as rain interruptions or overcast conditions can significantly impact the game.

Match Bet After the First Ball

While many punters place their bets before a match starts, consider waiting until the first ball has been bowled. This can often give you better odds than pre-match betting, as the odds can fluctuate based on the early momentum of the game. For example, if a favoured team loses an early wicket, the odds on their opponent might increase, presenting a more valuable betting opportunity.

Take Advantage of Live Betting

Live cricket match betting, also known as in play betting, allows you to place bets during a match as the action unfolds. This opens up a whole new world of betting possibilities. You can bet on events like the next wicket, the next boundary, or the winner of the current over. In play cricket betting requires quick thinking and the ability to read the game’s momentum, but a live cricket bet can be very rewarding if you can make accurate predictions in the heat of the moment.

Get the Best Cricket Odds

Don’t settle for the first odds you see. Shop around and compare odds from the best online bookmakers to ensure you’re getting the best possible value for your bets. Even slight differences in odds can have a significant impact on your potential winnings over time. Consider using odds comparison websites or apps to quickly compare odds from multiple bookmakers and find the best deals. Some bookies will also offer special prices and promotions for big events, so if you want to bet on cricket World Cup games, for example, keep your eyes peeled!

Match Winner 

This is the most straightforward and popular online bet on cricket. You simply choose which team you think will win the match. The odds will vary depending on the perceived strength of each team and other factors like pitch conditions and player form. You’ll find this market for most events, from county cricket betting through to England cricket betting.

Top Match Batter/Bowler 

This market involves predicting which player will score the most runs (top batter) or take the most wickets (top bowler) in a match. It’s a great way to bet on individual player performances and can be particularly exciting in limited-overs formats where aggressive batting and wicket-taking are often key.

1st Wicket Method

This market focuses on how the first wicket in a match will fall. Options typically include caught, bowled, LBW (leg before wicket), run out, and stumped. It requires some understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the opening batsmen and the bowling attack, as well as the pitch conditions.

Total Match Runs 

This market involves predicting the total number of runs that will be scored in a match by both teams combined. Bookmakers usually set a line, and you bet on whether the total runs will be over or under that line. Factors like pitch conditions, team batting strength, and bowling attack can all influence the total runs scored.

1st Innings Score 

This market is similar to total match runs, but it focuses only on the runs scored in the first innings of the match. It can be a good option if you have a strong opinion on how one team will perform with the bat in the first innings.

Most Match Sixes 

In this market, you bet on which team or player will hit the most sixes in a match. It’s a popular bet in T20 cricket, where big hitting is a key aspect of the game.

Most Run Outs 

This market involves predicting which team will have the most run outs in a match. It can be a tricky bet to get right, as run outs can be unpredictable and often depend on fielding errors or risky running between the wickets.

Highest Opening Partnership 

This market focuses on which opening pair will have the highest partnership (number of runs scored before the first wicket falls) in a match. It’s a good option if you think a particular opening duo will get off to a strong start.

Team to Make Highest 1st 6 Overs Score

This market is specific to limited-overs cricket and involves predicting which team will score the most runs in the first six overs of their innings. It’s a fast-paced and exciting market that can often provide good value bets.

These are just a few of the many cricket betting markets available. As you become more familiar with cricket betting, you can explore other markets like individual player performance bets, over/under bets on specific events (e.g., total wickets in an innings), and even more niche markets like the method of dismissal for a particular batsman.