Cricket is a sport that continues to divide opinion around the world, with many being extremely enthusiastic and passionate about the game, whilst others simply cannot understand it and perhaps even hate it.
Of course, this is far from new information as there are many sports disciplines that continue to create a division amongst many all around the world, however it is important to realize that the game is one that is incredibly popular.
A host of huge competitions, whilst the introduction of short-formats such as the T20 competitions to have been introduced in recent decades has helped cricket to really blossom and appeal to new audiences, whilst a surge in sports betting has also allowed for the game to reach new levels of popularity.
Indeed, there are a number of sportsbooks that now provide sports betting enthusiasts with the opportunity to get involved in online cricket betting, with operators able to provide members with the ability to place a wide range of different wagers on a variety of different markets that have been made available.
Betting on cricket can be confusing
However, with this in mind, it can be rather confusing for those who have no idea about cricket in general or are new to placing bets on the game, as some of the betting markets and terms may feel a little hard to understand when they are first seen.
Nonetheless, this article will look to provide a simple rundown of the most general cricket betting terms and will provide readers with a glossary of the most basic terms that can be used to help enhance any gambling experience that may be experienced because of the sport!
What are some of the basic betting terms needed to be known?
Naturally, there are a number of different factors that need to be taken into consideration when betting on cricket matches for the very first time, including the format in which the contest is being competed.
There are a number of different types of matches that can be completed within the sport, with some being longer than others. Matches that fall under the ‘Test’ category can last five days and can have four different results – Home/Draw/Away/Tie.
Other formats include short-form games, including T20, ODIs, and The Hundred, whilst there are also T10s now, too. These matches are a lot shorter and will typically have a winner decided in a matter of hours instead of days.
What are the most popular cricket bets?
Indeed, there are a number of bets that are extremely popular for cricket bettors, with many of those outlined below being perhaps the main choice when it comes down to placing a wager:
- Winner – betting on the winner of the match.
- Draw No Bet – betting on either team to win but if it is a draw, the bet is refunded.
- To Win the Toss – some will simply try and predict which team wins the coin toss at the beginning.
- Completed Match – some bettors will wager on whether a match is completed or if it is abandoned.
What are some of the other popular cricket bets typically placed?
With cricket being a game that is played as teams, it should not come as a surprise to learn that there are a number of betting markets that relate to team performance, rather than individuals (although we will cover that shortly).
Here are just some of the team betting markets that can be found and are typically rather popular:
- Team to score the most 6s – the team to score the most 6s in their innings whilst batting.
- Team to score the most 4s – the team to score the most 4s in their innings whilst batting.
- Highest opening partnership – betting on the team to have the highest opening partnership in regard to runs scored.
- Highest first 6 overs – betting on the team to have the most runs after the first six overs have been completed.
Naturally, there are so many to choose from and these carry on when looking at individuals, too.
Amongst the popular bets that can be found when betting on a certain cricket player, bettors will find the following markets:
- Highest run scorer – player with the most runs at the end of the game.
- Highest wicket-taker – player to take the most wickets.
- First wicket method – predicting how the first wicket will be taken (i.e. bowled, stumped, lbw, caught, etc.
- Player of the Match – predicting who will be the Player of the Match.
There are so many other options to choose from, however it is easy to understand why betting on cricket has become highly popular, even if the sport is not!
