Types of Cricket Bets

Cricket betting includes various types of markets, ranging from simple to more complex. If you are looking for cricket betting options, it is important to understand that they are divided into several main categories:

• match outcome bets,
• totals,
• handicaps,
• player and specific event bets.

For beginners, it is better to start with basic markets – determining the winner and the overall total – and then gradually move on to more detailed options. Understanding the types of cricket bets available helps you navigate the betting line more quickly and choose the most suitable options for play.

Match Outcome Bets

Outcome bets are the simplest and most straightforward type of cricket bets, usually where beginners start. Here, you need to determine which team will achieve the best result by the end of the match.

• Match Winner. A classic bet: you choose the team that will win the game.
• Draw. Relevant in the Test format, where a match can end without a winner.
• Double Chance. A bet with insurance: you can choose two outcomes out of three (for example, one team winning or a draw).

This market is considered basic as it does not require deep statistical analysis and is suitable for those just starting to understand the different types of cricket bets.

Total Bets

Total bets are one of the most popular types of cricket bets, especially among players who analyze statistics and the pace of the match.

• Total Runs. A bet on the total number of runs scored by the teams in a match or innings. The most popular option is over/under (O/U) a value set by the bookmaker.
• Individual Total Runs. A bet on the number of points scored by one team.
• Interim Total. A more advanced option for betting on the total runs in a specific over, after a certain number of overs, or within an interval of overs.
• Total Wickets. An even more advanced option that evaluates the defensive play of a team and the willingness of certain players to take risks.
• Total Even/Odd. Whether the total points of the teams or the points of one team will be an even or odd number. In cricket, the odds for both outcomes are often similar, so this type of bet often lacks logical explanation and resembles a lucky guess.

Totals are especially popular in fast-paced formats such as T20 and ODI, where it is easier to predict outcomes based on the game's tempo.

Forecasting the number of points. This type of betting is suitable for both beginners and more experienced players who want to analyze the match more deeply.

Handicap Betting

Handicap betting is more commonly used when there is a noticeable difference in the level of the teams. A handicap in cricket allows for leveling the odds by adding or subtracting points from one side.

What is a Handicap in Cricket

This is a conditional advantage or disadvantage applied to the final score of a team.

For example: in a match between Team A and Team B, the odds for the first team to win are very low since they are the favorites. However, the odds are much higher for their win with a handicap (-20.5) – this means that for the handicap bet to win, Team A needs to win by at least 21 points.

Positive and Negative Handicap

A positive handicap is given to the underdog (e.g., +20.5 runs), while a negative handicap is given to the favorite (e.g., −20.5 runs).

In the example above, we have already considered a negative handicap. The same strategy applies to the underdog. For the bet on a handicap (+20.5) to win, Team B can lose, but not by more than 20 points. Literally: if Team B lost 138:156, but you add the handicap of 20.5 points to their result, Team B would win the match 158.5 to 156, meaning your bet won.

When to Use a Handicap Bet

Handicaps are suitable when you are confident in the strength of one of the teams but want to get higher odds or hedge your bets. This type of cricket betting requires a slightly better understanding of the difference between the teams but allows finding more profitable options compared to a regular bet on the winner.

Player Bets

Player bets are a more advanced type of cricket betting that requires an understanding of the statistics and form of specific athletes.

• How many runs a player will score. A bet on the performance of a batsman: how many points he will be able to score in a match or innings. More about player roles on the field can be found in the article Cricket Rules in Simple Terms.
• How many wickets a bowler will take. A prediction on the number of players (wickets) the bowler will dismiss.
• Top Batsman. A bet on the player who will score the most points in his team or in the match.
• Top Bowler. A bet on the player who will dismiss the most players. Determined within his team or in the match overall.
• Total 4s or 6s. How many 4s or 6s the batsman will hit in an innings.

Betting on individual player statistics in cricket provides additional opportunities to analyze the game and find interesting options, but it requires careful study of statistics, team composition, and the current form of players.

Betting on Specific Events

Betting on specific events allows you to predict not the outcome of the match, but particular game moments. Such cricket bets are more commonly used in live betting and offer more options for analysis. However, they are also available in popular cricket tournaments in the pre-match line.

• Over Result. A bet on the number of runs scored in one over or its outcome.
• Number of 6s and 4s. A prediction on the total number of 4s and 6s hit in a match or innings.
• First Wicket. A bet on how (caught, bowled, or another method) and when (in which over) the first player will be dismissed.

These types of cricket bets expand the possibilities for betting and are suitable for those who want to make more targeted predictions on the course of the match.

Live Betting on Cricket

Live betting on cricket refers to bets placed during the match itself, hence the name live. The odds are constantly changing depending on the situation on the field, allowing you to react to the game's progress in real-time.

What It Is

Bets placed during the match with dynamic odds that update after each over or key event. The frequency of updates can vary from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the match situation.

Advantages

The ability to consider the current form of the teams, player errors, and changes in the pace of the game. It is suitable for more experienced bettors who follow the game in live mode.

Features

Requires quick analysis and understanding of what is happening, as odds can change within seconds.

The live format is particularly popular in cricket due to its dynamics. You can learn more about how to bet on cricket in the basic guide.

Which Bets Are Best for Beginners

If you are just starting to bet on cricket, it is better to choose the simplest and most understandable markets. This will help you quickly understand the game and reduce risks.

1. Match Winner. The most basic option – you simply need to choose the team that will win.
2. Total Runs. Bets on the total number of runs (over or under) – one of the most convenient markets for beginners.
3. Simple Markets. Avoid complex combination bets and player markets – start with classic options.

Which Bets Are More Complex and Risky

Some types of cricket bets require more experience and understanding of the game, making them more complex and risky for beginners.

• Combination Bets. Accumulators, systems, and complex markets where you need to predict multiple outcomes at once – high odds, but also increased risk.
• Player Bets. Require deep analysis of statistics, form, and the role of a specific player in the match.
• Live Bets. Quick decisions under time pressure: odds change constantly, and mistakes are more costly.

Such bets can be profitable but are more suitable for those who are already well-versed in cricket and have experience in match analysis.

How to Choose a Bet Type

Choosing the right type of bet is a key factor for successful cricket betting. It depends on several factors that are important to consider before each match.

• Match Format. In T20, totals and live bets are often suitable, in ODI – more balanced markets, while in Test cricket long-term forecasts and outcomes are important. Read more about the differences in cricket formats in our analysis.
• Analysis. If you have thoroughly studied the statistics and form of players, you can consider player bets and complex markets.
• Experience. Beginners should opt for simple bets on the winner or total, while more experienced players can use combination and live strategies.

The right market choice directly affects the outcome. Read more about approaches in the article on cricket betting strategies.

Understanding the different types of cricket bets is the foundation of successful betting. Different markets offer different opportunities: from simple bets on the winner to more complex predictions on players and match events.

The main thing is to choose the appropriate type of bet depending on the game format, level of analysis, and personal experience. This allows you to gradually improve results and better navigate the betting line.

To deepen your knowledge, build a systematic approach, and move to a more advanced level, we recommend:

• carefully studying cricket terminology
• understanding how to read a betting line oncricket
• check out the list of the best tournaments for betting oncricket