<p>Cricket betting offers dozens of different markets beyond simply picking the match winner. You can bet on individual player performances, team totals, method of dismissal, and even specific events during particular overs.</p> <p>The most attractive cricket betting markets focus on player statistics. Top batsman bets, total runs scored, wicket-taking performances - these markets offer better value than standard match winner bets. Keep in mind that they require more knowledge about player form and conditions, which is why the odds stay competitive.</p> <p>We'll break down the key markets you'll find on Sportsbet and examine some strategies that experienced punters use across Test matches, ODIs, and T20 formats. If you are <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-cricket">learning how to bet on cricket</a>, this guide will help you improve your knowledge.</p> <h2>Key Cricket Betting Markets Explained</h2> <h3>Match Winner</h3> <p>The match winner market is an easy one to understand, since you need to pick which team wins.</p> <p>It works differently across formats: Tests let you back either team or the draw, while limited-overs cricket only offers two outcomes since someone must win.</p> <p>Since weather matters in Test betting because rain can force a draw when one team's dominating, always check forecasts before placing multi-day bets.&nbsp;</p> <p>There’s nothing worse than watching three days of Manchester drizzle kill a certain winner.</p> <p>Match winner odds look like this: Australia vs England Test might show Australia $2.10, England $3.20, Draw $4.50. T20 between Australia and India: Australia $1.85, India $2.00.</p> <p>The favourite has shorter odds, while the underdog offers higher returns. Form, home advantage, and team news shift these prices. A last-minute injury to a key player can move odds 20-30 cents instantly.</p> <h3>Top Batsman</h3> <p>Top batsman markets let you predict which player scores the most runs for their team. This is a market that requires knowledge of batting orders and current form.</p> <p>Opening batsmen often provide value here since they face more deliveries than middle-order players. The downside (because there is always one) is they face fresh bowlers when conditions favour bowling, and early wickets can end their innings before they've faced ten balls.</p> <p>A batsman averaging 55 over their career but scoring 15 runs per innings in their last five matches isn't offering value, so try to check recent performances, not career highlights.</p> <p>Consider batting position, current form, head-to-head records against the opposition, and pitch conditions. A batsman who struggles against pace on bouncy wickets isn't worth backing at the Gabba. Don't just chase big names - even great players have off days.</p> <h3>Top Bowler</h3> <p>Top bowler focuses on which player takes the most wickets: fast bowlers and spinners both offer opportunities depending on pitch conditions.</p> <p>Pace bowlers excel with grass coverage or cloud cover, while spinners perform better on dry, turning pitches or in longer formats where batsmen take risks. Ask many cricket punters for some tips, and get ready to hear that betting on a finger spinner on a green seamer is almost like ‘burning money.'</p> <p>As usual, the key advice is to research pitch reports before backing bowlers. The WACA in Perth traditionally favours fast bowling, while subcontinent pitches assist spin. These tendencies aren't absolute (the WACA has slowed down considerably in recent years), but they provide a starting point.</p> <p>Consider pitch conditions, opposition batting weaknesses, the bowler's role in the attack, and match format. A genuine quick who bowls first change in overcast conditions at Trent Bridge offers better value than a spinner at the same venue.</p> <h3>Over/Under Market</h3> <p>Over/under markets let you bet whether a specific total gets exceeded. Team runs, individual player runs, total match runs - all available options.</p> <p>Team totals are popular for limited-overs cricket; you might bet over 160.5 runs for Australia's T20 innings, with weather, pitch, and team selection all mattering. A batting pitch with short boundaries makes the over more attractive than a bowler-friendly surface.</p> <p>Individual player run markets work similarly. A star batsman might have their total set at 45.5 runs for a T20 match. Backing the over on an opener in good form offers better value than the same bet on a number seven who might not face a ball.</p> <p>Do keep in mind that weather interruptions can void some over/under bets, so check the specific terms before placing these wagers.</p> <h2>Special and Advanced Cricket Betting Markets</h2> <h3>Series Winner</h3> <p>Series winner betting lets you pick which team wins an entire tournament or multi-match series. Place your bet before the series starts and wait for the final result.</p> <p>This works well for major competitions like the Ashes, World Cup, or bilateral series. As you’d expect, the odds change based on team form, player injuries, and home advantage.</p> <p>You can find these markets on Sportsbet months before tournaments begin. Early betting often offers better value as odds shift closer to the event. Backing a team at $4.00 in April that drifts to $2.50 by June means you've found genuine value.</p> <p>Weather conditions and pitch types matter in series outcomes. For example, teams that bowl well perform better in English conditions, while batting-heavy sides prefer Australian pitches.</p> <h3>In-Play Betting</h3> <p>In-play betting happens during the match. You place new bets as the game changes, with odds updating in real time.</p> <p>Common in-play markets include next wicket method (bowled, caught, LBW), runs in next over, fall of next wicket, and constantly updated match winner odds. The match winner market might shift from $1.80 to $2.40 after a single wicket in a tight chase.</p> <p>Watch the match closely since pitch conditions, weather changes, and player form affect your options. A batsman who looks comfortable suddenly nicking behind doesn't just change the score, it changes every market available.</p> <p>Act fast because good opportunities often last only minutes before odds adjust.</p> <h3>Player and Team Specials</h3> <p>Player and team specials focus on individual performances and specific team achievements.</p> <p>Player performance markets include top batsman for each team, leading wicket taker, player to score a century, and most sixes in an innings. Each requires different analysis - a century bet needs a batsman in form facing weak bowling on a good pitch.</p> <p>Team specials cover total runs scored, number of wickets taken, highest partnership, and method of first dismissal. These depend heavily on conditions and team strategies.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>What are some popular types of bets in cricket?</h3> <p>Match winner bets are straightforward - just pick the winning team. Works for all formats.</p> <p>Top batsman and top bowler markets predict which player scores the most runs or takes the most wickets. These focus on individual performance and require more research but offer better odds.</p> <p>Method of dismissal bets cover how a batsman gets out - catches, bowled, LBW, run outs. Series winner markets let you bet on tournament outcomes rather than single matches.</p> <p>First ball and first over markets offer quick results. Essentially coin flips with slightly adjusted odds.</p> <h3>How can one understand the odds when betting on cricket matches?</h3> <p>Sportsbet displays odds in decimal format, which shows your total return including your stake. Odds of $2.50 mean you get $2.50 back for every $1 wagered.</p> <p>Lower odds mean favourites, higher odds mean underdogs. A team at $1.50 is heavily favoured compared to one at $4.00.</p> <p>Odds change based on betting activity and team news. Rain delays, player injuries, and pitch conditions shift the numbers. What looked like $2.10 in the morning might be $1.85 by lunch.</p> <h3>Can you explain the concept of an 'over/under' market in cricket betting?</h3> <p>Over/under bets focus on totals rather than winners. The bookmaker sets a line and you choose over or under that figure.</p> <p>Team total runs is common in limited-overs cricket. The line might be set at 165.5 runs for a T20 innings. You bet over if you think they'll score 166 or more. The half-run prevents ties, so you either win or lose.</p> <p>Player performance over/unders cover individual statistics. A batsman might have a line of 24.5 runs or a bowler might have 1.5 wickets.</p> <p>Session runs work well for Test cricket - bet over/under on runs scored in a specific session of play.</p> <h3>What should a beginner know about betting on different cricket formats?</h3> <p>Test cricket offers the most betting opportunities. Session results, day winners, innings totals - plus the draw option makes Test betting unique. Rain can cause draws, which catches beginners out.</p> <p>ODI cricket provides middle ground between quick T20s and lengthy Tests. Total runs markets are popular with lines typically between 250-300 runs per innings.</p> <p>T20 cricket moves quickly with high-scoring games. Powerplay runs, sixes hit, and first boundary markets suit the fast-paced nature. Matches finish in three hours maximum.</p> <p>Weather affects different formats differently. Rain causes draws in Tests but usually leads to revised targets in limited-overs cricket.</p>