How Do You Bet On a Live Cricket Match?

how-do-you-bet-on-a-live-cricket-match
Shivam Bhateja Published: 12/3/2024

In the realm of cricket, there are numerous elements to consider before predicting the outcome of a match. Factors such as the weather, pitch conditions, team dynamics, individual players' strengths and weaknesses, past performances, and the balance between spin and pace bowlers all play crucial roles. Despite rigorous analysis, predicting the winner remains a challenge.

In many cases, it's possible to forecast the victor with approximately 90% certainty. For example, in a match-up between Australia and Kenya, there's a near-universal consensus about the likely winner. However, these predictions hardly translate into profitable betting opportunities.

The odds for a predicted win by a solid favourite like Australia are often so low that even substantial bets result in minimal gains, barely more than pennies.

Cricket betting can offer both thrill and potential profits, yet it requires mastering numerous details to bet wisely and efficiently. This guide aims to navigate every crucial aspect of cricket betting, from gathering essential information before placing your bets to implementing strategies to provide you with a competitive advantage.

How Cricket Betting Works

Cricket betting involves predicting outcomes within a cricket match and placing wagers on those predictions. Bettors can choose from various markets, such as match winner, top batsman, top bowler, total runs, and many more. 

Each market offers different odds, reflecting the likelihood of each outcome. Before placing a bet, individuals need to understand these odds, as they dictate the potential return on a wager. 

Understanding the conditions and context of the game is crucial for successful cricket betting. Weather conditions, pitch analysis, team compositions, and player form can greatly influence the match's outcome and, consequently, the betting results. 

Bettors often study historical data, team statistics, and expert opinions to make more informed decisions. The integration of live betting, where wagers can be placed during the match, adds a layer of strategy as the odds fluctuate based on the unfolding events of the game, allowing for dynamic and real-time betting decisions.

Cricket Formats

The cricket match's format, whether a Test, One Day International (ODI), or Twenty20 (T20), can significantly affect the betting strategies due to each format's varying lengths and dynamics. Knowing the nuances of each format can greatly enhance your betting strategy. Here, we'll explore the three main formats:

  • Test Matches

    Test cricket is the oldest and most traditional format of the game. Tests are played over five days for a deep and strategic team battle. Each team has two innings, providing a comprehensive test of all cricketing skills. This format is considered the game's highest standard and offers numerous betting opportunities, particularly in live betting, due to the game's length.

  • One Day Internationals (ODIs)

    ODIs are limited-overs cricket matches with each side facing a set number of overs, usually 50. This format balances the lengthy duration of Test cricket and the quick pace of T20 cricket, offering a middle ground in terms of time and strategy. It's popular for its blend of tactical depth and more immediate results, making it a favourite among a wider audience and bettors looking for day-long engagement.

  • Twenty20 (T20)

    The T20 format has gained significant popularity due to its fast pace and short duration, with each team allocated a maximum of 20 overs. This leads to aggressive and entertaining cricket, often appealing to younger audiences and those new to the sport. T20 cricket has revolutionised betting strategies due to its unpredictable nature and rapid pace, providing new opportunities and markets for bettors.

Understanding Cricket Match Odds

When betting on cricket matches, it's essential to understand the different formats of odds presented by bookmakers: American odds, Decimal odds, and Fractional odds. Each format offers a different way of viewing the potential payout from a bet, and understanding them can aid in making informed decisions.

  • American Odds

    American odds are presented as either positive or negative numbers. A negative number indicates how much you need to bet to win $100, and a positive number indicates how much you would win if you bet $100. For example, if the odds are -150 for a team, you must bet $150 to win $100. Conversely, if the odds are +130, a $100 bet would return $130 in profit if successful.

  • Decimal Odds

    Decimal odds are more common in Europe, Australia, and Canada and are considered easier to understand. The decimal represents the total payout, not just the profit, for every unit of bet. For example, decimal odds of 1.75 mean that for every $1.00 you bet, you will get $1.75 back if you win, including your initial stake. The profit here would then be $0.75.

  • Fractional Odds

    Fractional odds are the traditional format used in the UK and Ireland. They are expressed as a fraction, such as 3/2 or 6/4, showing the amount of profit relative to the stake. For example, if you bet $100 at odds of 3/2, your total return if you win would be $250, which includes your initial $100 stake and $150 profit.

  • Moneyline Bets

    When engaging in cricket betting, it’s essential to use reputable cricket betting apps that provide up-to-date odds. These apps often feature money line bets, which are straightforward wagers on the match’s winner.

    The odds can be presented in any of the three formats mentioned above. Reading these odds is crucial; they tell you the expected probability of each team winning and the potential return on your bet.

    For instance, in a match where Team A is the favourite, you might see their odds as -150 (American), 1.67 (Decimal), or 2/3 (Fractional), indicating they are expected to win. Conversely, the underdog, Team B, might have odds like +130 (American), 2.30 (Decimal), or 13/10 (Fractional), showing they are less favoured to win.

Types of Cricket Bets

Cricket betting offers a variety of options, each with its opportunities and strategies. Understanding the different types of cricket bets is essential for anyone looking to engage in betting on the sport.

  • Match Betting
    Match betting is the most straightforward type of cricket bet, where you simply choose the winner of a particular match. It's a great starting point for beginners due to its simplicity.

  • Series Winner
    In cricket, teams often play multiple matches in a series rather than a single game. A series winner bet involves picking the team that will win the entire series instead of just one match.

  • Outright Winner
    This type of bet focuses on the winner of an entire tournament or league, such as the World Cup or IPL. Betting on the outright winner is done before the event begins or at the early stages.

  • Top Batsman/Bowler
    These bets predict which player will score the most runs (top batsman) or take the most wickets (top bowler) throughout a match, series, or tournament.

  • Man of the Match/Player of the Series
    This bet is on the individual player who will be awarded 'Man of the Match' or 'Player of the Series'. It requires knowledge of players' form and potential impact.

  • Over/Under Scores
    In over/under bets, bookmakers set a predicted total score for a match or innings, and you bet whether the actual score will be over or under that total.

  • Method of Dismissal
    This is a more specific bet where you predict how a particular batsman will be dismissed. Options typically include caught, bowled, run out, LBW (leg before wicket), etc.

  • Session Runs
    Bettors can wager on the number of runs scored in a specific play session, like a morning session in a Test match. This requires an understanding of the game's dynamics and the scoring patterns of teams.

  • Win Toss
    This simple bet is on which team will win the coin toss at the start of the match. It's purely based on luck, as the toss is random.

  • Most Run Outs
    This bet involves predicting which team will have the most run-outs during a match or series, requiring an understanding of the teams' fielding strengths and strategies.

  • Futures and Prop Bets
    Futures involve long-term predictions, such as who will win a forthcoming series or tournament. Prop bets, or proposition bets, are wagers on specific events that don't directly affect the overall outcome of a match, like whether a century will be scored.

Understanding In-Play Betting on Cricket Matches

In-play betting, also known as live betting, is a dynamic form of wagering that allows bettors to place bets on cricket matches as the action unfolds in real time. Unlike traditional betting, which requires all wagers to be placed before the match begins, in-play betting offers the flexibility to bet on various outcomes while watching the game.

Here’s how it typically works:

  • Odds Adjustment: As the match progresses, odds are continuously updated based on the current score, wickets taken, and other live conditions.
  • Betting Options: Bettors can wager on different aspects, such as the outcome of the next ball, over, or wicket, and even predict future scores or the total runs in a match.
  • Timing: Quick decision-making is crucial, as odds can change rapidly with each ball bowled or boundary scored.
  • Market Availability: Not all markets are available throughout the match, and some may be suspended during key moments like a wicket or a review.

Step-By-Step Guide to Betting on Cricket:

Betting on cricket can be a rewarding experience if done correctly. Here’s a structured guide to help you navigate the process:

  • Step 1: Understand the Basics

    Familiarise yourself with the different formats of cricket (Test, ODI, T20), common betting terms, and the game's rules. Understanding the nuances of cricket is crucial for making informed betting decisions.

  • Step 2: Research Teams and Players

    Before placing any bets, research the teams and players' current form and historical performance. Consider factors like player injuries, historical results at the venue, weather conditions, and team rankings.

  • Step 3: Choose a Reputable Betting Site

    Select a reliable and trustworthy online betting platform. Look for sites with positive reviews, valid licenses, and a wide range of cricket betting markets. Ensure the site offers fair odds and is easy to navigate.

  • Step 4: Set Up Your Betting Account

    Register an account with your chosen betting site. You'll need to provide some personal information and possibly verify your identity. Ensure you understand the site's deposit and withdrawal options.

  • Step 5: Deposit Funds

    Fund your betting account using a suitable payment method. Be mindful of the minimum deposit amount and check if there are any bonuses or promotions for new customers.

  • Step 6: Explore Betting Markets

    Familiarise yourself with the different types of cricket bets available, including match winner, top batsman/bowler, and live in-play bets. Each market offers different risks and rewards.

  • Step 7: Analyze Odds and Place Your Bets

    Compare the odds for different bets across various matches and tournaments. Once you've decided on your bets, enter your stake and confirm your wager. Keep your bets within your budget to manage your bankroll effectively.

  • Step 8: Watch the Match and Track Your Bets

    If possible, watch the live match to see how your bets unfold. Many betting sites offer live streaming services, which can be an invaluable tool for in-play betting.

  • Step 9: Collect Your Winnings

    If your bets are successful, your winnings will be credited to your betting account. You can then withdraw your funds according to the site's withdrawal procedure, usually back to the same method used for depositing.

  • Step 10: Bet Responsibly

    Always remember to gamble responsibly. Set limits for yourself, never bet more than you can afford to lose and avoid chasing losses.

Best App & Site for IPL Cricket Betting

When it comes to IPL betting, our top recommendation is Parimatch. This platform stands out as our preferred choice for engaging with the thrilling world of IPL matches.

Parimatch

Best App for IPL Betting - Parimatch

Parimatch holds the title of the premier IPL betting app in India, renowned for providing the most extensive assortment of IPL betting opportunities, coupled with an intuitive user interface and superior security protocols. This has established Parimatch as a trusted and favored choice among millions of Indian users.

For those in India seeking the quintessential IPL betting journey, Parimatch is the definitive choice. Its sterling reputation, dependability, and unparalleled offerings have secured its spot as the top IPL betting app in India for 2024.

Popular Cricket Tournaments to Bet On

Cricket offers a wide range of tournaments globally, attracting vast audiences and providing numerous betting opportunities. Here are some of the most popular cricket tournaments that bettors often focus on:

  • ICC Cricket World Cup
    This is the pinnacle of international One Day International (ODI) cricket, held every four years. The World Cup sees top cricketing nations compete for the ultimate title in the sport. It's a high-profile event that attracts significant betting activity due to its global audience and the caliber of matches.

  • ICC T20 World Cup

    The T20 World Cup is an international championship of Twenty20 cricket. This tournament, held every two years, features fast-paced and high-scoring games, making it extremely popular among cricket fans and bettors due to its unpredictable nature and dynamic performances.

  • Indian Premier League (IPL)

    The IPL is arguably the most famous T20 league in the world, held annually in India. It features a mix of international stars and local talents in high-octane matches. The IPL's massive popularity and extensive coverage make it one of the primary focal points for cricket betting, with various markets available.

  • Big Bash League (BBL)

    Australia's premier T20 competition, the BBL, has grown in popularity since its inception. It involves Australian and international players competing in a league format followed by playoffs. The BBL is known for its entertaining matches and attracts considerable betting interest.

  • The Ashes

    This is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious cricket rivalries, held biennially. The Ashes series is renowned for its history and tradition, offering numerous betting opportunities across its five-match series.

  • Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

    The CPL is a T20 tournament held in the Caribbean. It's known for its festive atmosphere and attracts top international players. Betting on the CPL can be particularly exciting due to the unpredictable nature of the matches and the aggressive style of play.

  • Pakistan Super League (PSL)

    The PSL is a professional T20 league in Pakistan. It features six city-based teams and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The league has become known for its competitive matches and has a growing following among cricket bettors.

  • England's County Championship

    The County Championship in England is one of the oldest domestic cricket competitions. It is a first-class cricket league involving county clubs known for its traditional format. Betting on the County Championship offers a different experience than the shorter formats, with four-day matches.

Selecting the Best Cricket Betting Site and App

When choosing the ideal cricket betting site or app, and even the best IPL betting apps, it’s important to prioritise platforms known for their credibility and positive user feedback.

Ensure the site is properly licensed and regulated to place your bets securely and access features like live streaming, in-play betting, and real-time match scores and statistics updates.

The interface should be intuitive, facilitating easy navigation and quick betting, especially for live matches. Mobile compatibility is also essential for placing bets on the move.

Additionally, various secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, responsive customer support, and attractive bonuses and promotions can significantly improve your betting experience. 

Lastly, features that promote responsible gambling, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion tools, indicate a platform’s commitment to the well-being of its users.

Top 4 Popular Cricket Betting Sites

Parimatch
  • Exclusive Welcome Bonus
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  • Best Android Sports Betting App
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10Cric
  • 2% Extra Cash on AstroPay Deposits
  • Great Betting Apps on Android & iOS
  • Accepts UPI, Netbanking, Skrill, Neteller, and more.
Read review
Fun88
  • Accepts UPI (Netbanking), PhonePe, Google Pay and more!
  • Minimum Deposit Starts at ₹100
  • Top-tier Betting Apps for Android and iOS
Read review
22Bet
  • Great Mobile Betting Apps
  • Exclusive IPL Betting Bonus
  • Accepts UPI, Netbanking, Google Pay, PayTM, PhonePe, Skrill and More!
Read review

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