Cricket might not steal the spotlight like football, but it’s a big player in the betting world. This cricket betting guide is here to break down the ins and outs of what awaits you at online sportsbooks.
The first thing you should know is that international cricket comes in three types:
- Test Cricket, or first-class cricket, is the granddaddy of them all. It lasts five days, with each team playing two innings.
- One-day cricket or List A Cricket is a one-day tourney in which each team plays 50 overs. It’s fast-paced but still allows for strategic bets.
- T20 Cricket has been popular since the 2000s. Each team gets 20 overs, and the whole game lasts about 90 minutes, making it exciting and unpredictable.
If you’re interested in cricket betting, understanding these formats is the first step toward making informed bets and having fun while doing it. And don’t forget to use the latest online sportsbook bonuses to bet for free!
Types of bets on cricket
Bookmakers now offer a variety of cricket betting markets, providing excitement and opportunities to find your niche in value betting. These markets cover all three formats: Test Cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and the thrilling T20 Cricket.
This information is essential to mention in any cricket betting guide, so here’s a rundown of popular cricket betting markets and how you can profit from them.
Match Outcome/Series Winner
The most popular market predicts the outcome of matches. In ODIs and T20s, it’s straightforward: one team wins, the other loses. In Test cricket, there’s a third possible outcome – a draw. However, with higher scoring rates, draws are becoming rare unless interrupted by rain or played on a very flat wicket.
Series Winner: This is similar to the match outcome market but over multiple matches. Instead of betting on a single game, you bet on who will win the entire series.
Leading Run-Scorer & Leading Wicket-Taker
Any cricket betting guide will tell you these markets can be highly profitable. To predict the leading run-scorer, look at players in the top order (top 3 batsmen) in ODIs, as they face the most deliveries, especially during power-plays. For leading wicket-taker, consider bowlers who have been consistent or have favorable matchups against the opposition batsmen.
Highest Opening Partnership
Betting on the highest opening partnership involves understanding player dynamics. Research how specific batsmen fare against certain bowlers. Some openers struggle against particular bowlers, which can influence their performance.
Man of the Match
In every match, one player stands out with an exceptional performance. Bettors should look for players who can make significant impacts, like a batsman capable of a quickfire hundred or a bowler who can take multiple wickets in a short span. Occasionally, the award goes to unexpected performers who turn the match into a crucial play.
Number of Boundaries
This market involves betting on the total number of boundaries hit during a match. Factors to consider are identifying big hitters on both teams and the size of the ground. Smaller grounds typically see more boundaries.
Cricket betting guide: odds explained
Dipping your toes into sports betting, especially cricket means getting a grip on managing risks. The golden rule? Never bet more than you’re ready to lose. It’s crucial to keep your betting within limits, ensuring you don’t overextend yourself financially.
Now, let’s break down cricket betting odds for beginners. You should know various types of odds first to understand how to read them. But let’s suppose we have decimal odds of 1.50 on India to win against England with 2.10 odds.
Odds of 1.50 mean that if you bet $10 on South Africa and they win, you’ll get $15 back – your $10 stake plus $5 profit. These odds suggest that the bookmakers believe India has a reasonably good chance of winning, but it’s not a sure thing.
To keep your betting experience fun and within safe limits, decide on a betting budget for each match. This helps you focus on placing strategic bets rather than splurging on every possible outcome. Remember, the key to enjoying cricket betting is balancing the excitement with smart risk management.
Summary
Cricket betting offers a variety of markets that cater to different strategies and preferences. By understanding the nuances of each market and conducting thorough research, you can find value bets and increase your chances of success after reading our cricket betting guide.