Cricket Match Bets

Now that we have introduced you to the key aspects of cricket as a sport you can bet on, it is time to dive deeper and examine the betting markets available within a single match. If you are a complete novice to online gambling, review the list below and decide which bet type suits you best. Even experienced cricket punters may still discover something they have not tried. All cricket match bets presented are accompanied by useful tips for making well-informed predictions.

Keep in mind that the availability of betting markets varies across online sportsbooks, so it is a good idea to check them before deciding whether to set up an account with a particular bookie. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of betting platforms that feature multiple cricket leagues and tournaments, so you will not have a hard time finding a bookie that suits your preferences.

Match Winner

Where else to start but with the Match Winner bet, the simplest and most self-explanatory option offered by all online cricket betting platforms. The goal is clear: predict which of the two teams will defeat the other. That is all. Depending on the match format and, sometimes, the bookmaker’s policies, you may have a third option: betting on the match to finish in a draw.

If you want to reduce your risk, consider placing a Double Chance bet, which covers two of the three possible outcomes (either team to win or a draw). Of course, the lower-risk bet comes with a smaller payout, so carefully consider which type of wager suits your goals.

Different bettors use different strategies based on their experience and personal preferences, but they all have one thing in common: pre-game research is never skipped. Investigate anything that might be helpful, starting weeks before the event if possible. As long as you have some basic knowledge, almost any source can prove valuable: official cricket statistics, social media pages of teams and players, specialized cricket blogs, news agencies, and more. You never know who will be the first to share useful information, so keep an eye on them all.

Numbers are never just numbers, and when a team is ahead of another in the standings, there is usually a good reason. However, do not rely on this indicator too heavily; pay special attention to each team’s performance in its most recent matches. Two losses right before the current game, for example, may carry more weight than four wins at the start of the season. Another key factor is matchups. Even if the underdog sits at the bottom of the table, it can perform unexpectedly well if its style of play, or another factor, is uncomfortable for the favorite.

Over/Under Score

Another popular type of cricket wager is the Over/Under market, also known from many other sports. Online bookmakers set a benchmark for the total score they think the teams will reach by the end of the match. Your only task is to predict whether the actual total will be over or under this threshold. This is considered one of the least risky cricket betting markets, which is probably why it attracts so much interest, even from newcomers.

To make an informed Over/Under bet, review the statistics and see how both teams have performed in their recent matches. Consider the format of cricket being played, as this inevitably affects the final score. Weather conditions also matter. With no wind and moderate temperatures, batsmen tend to score runs more easily. In cloudy and humid weather, the ball is more likely to swing, which bowlers prefer.

Tied Match and Completed Match Bets

These are both straightforward cricket betting markets that only require a Yes or No answer. Generally speaking, a tied match is declared when both competitors finish with the same number of runs, so there is no winner. Cricket is more specific: a tie occurs when the side batting last loses ten wickets and the teams finish with the same number of runs.

Some online bookmakers do not offer tied match betting odds but instead apply dead-heat rules. If this happens, your original stake is split in half, and each half is placed at the original odds. In other words, punters receive half of the initially expected return. However, many cricket competitions have specific rules that allow a winner to be declared even if the teams have scored the same number of runs. These may include a bowl-off, a super over, or a decision based on which squad took the last wicket.

Due to their complexity, ties are extremely rare in Test cricket. The situation is slightly different in first-class and limited-overs matches, but ties are always hard to predict, so they usually come with very profitable payouts.

As for the Completed Match bet, it is even simpler. It applies to one-day matches where you have to predict whether the event will be completed on the scheduled day. As already explained, cricket is highly dependent on weather conditions, and sometimes matches need extra time or are delayed. If you check the weather forecast in advance, you may be able to place a wise and profitable bet.