Cricket is a game of skill, strategy, and thrilling moments. For bettors, it offers a wide range of opportunities that go far beyond just predicting who will win. On a platform like Fairplay, you get access to dozens of betting markets for every single match, each providing a unique way to test your knowledge and turn a profit.
Understanding these markets is the first step toward becoming a more strategic bettor. While guessing the match winner is a great start, the real value often lies in more specific predictions about player performance, session runs, or even the fall of a wicket. This guide explains the most popular cricket betting markets on Fairplay, helping you move from a casual fan to an informed player.
1. Match Winner (Match Odds)
This is the most straightforward and popular betting market. You are simply betting on which team will win the match. On an exchange like Fairplay, this market comes with a twist: you can either “Back” a team to win or “Lay” a team to lose.
- Backing a Team: You bet that a specific team will win. You place your stake at the odds shown in the blue box. If your team wins, you win the bet.
- Example: You back India to win at odds of 1.70 with a ₹1,000 stake. If India wins, your return is ₹1,700 (₹700 profit).
- Laying a Team: You bet that a specific team will not win. You place your stake at the odds shown in the pink box. You win if that team loses or the match is a draw.
- Example: You lay England at odds of 2.10. You believe they will not win. If they lose or the match is drawn, you win the other person’s stake.
Tip: Laying a team is a powerful strategy when you feel a favorite is overvalued or when playing conditions (like dew) might work against them.
2. Top Batsman / Top Bowler
Instead of focusing on the team result, these markets let you bet on individual player performance. They offer higher odds and are perfect for bettors who follow player form closely.
Top Batsman
You are predicting which player will score the most runs for their team in an innings.
- How it works: Each player in the lineup is assigned odds. Star players like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma will have lower odds, while lower-order batsmen or newcomers will have higher odds.
- Strategy: This is not just about picking the best player. Consider batting position—an opener has more opportunity to score runs than a number six batsman. Also, look at a player’s recent form and their record against the opposing bowlers.
Top Bowler
You are predicting which player will take the most wickets for their team in an innings.
- How it works: Similar to the top batsman market, each bowler has odds. In case of a tie (two bowlers taking the same number of wickets), specific rules apply, which usually involve the bowler who conceded fewer runs being declared the winner.
- Strategy: Look at the pitch report. A spin-friendly pitch favors spinners, while a green, seaming wicket favors fast bowlers. Death-over specialists are also great candidates, as they often pick up cheap wickets when batsmen are swinging for the fences.
3. Session Betting (Runs in Overs)
Session betting is a fast-paced market popular in live betting. It breaks the match down into blocks of overs (usually 6, 10, or 15 overs) and lets you bet on how many runs will be scored in that specific session.
- How it works: A line is set (e.g., “45.5 Runs in First 6 Overs”). You can bet “Over” if you think more than 45 runs will be scored, or “Under” if you think fewer runs will be scored.
- Strategy: This market is all about analyzing the immediate context. In the powerplay overs with field restrictions, aggressive batsmen can lead to high scores (“Over”). If a key wicket falls or new batsmen are at the crease, scoring might slow down (“Under”). It’s a key part of any sports betting strategy.
4. Total Match Sixes / Fours
This is a simple and exciting market where you bet on the total number of sixes or fours that will be hit by both teams combined in the match.
- How it works: A line is set, such as “Over/Under 14.5 Match Sixes.” You decide if the final count will be above or below that number.
- Strategy: This market is heavily influenced by two factors: the ground dimensions and the players involved. Small grounds like Chinnaswamy in Bangalore are known for six-hitting festivals. Teams packed with power-hitters like Andre Russell or Liam Livingstone are also more likely to clear the boundary.
5. Man of the Match
This market allows you to bet on which player will receive the “Man of the Match” award at the end of the game. The odds are generally high because it is difficult to predict.
- How it works: You select a player from either team. If they win the award, you win the bet.
- Strategy: All-rounders are excellent candidates for this market because they can contribute with both bat and ball, giving them two chances to make a match-winning impact. Focus on players who are known for performing under pressure in big games.
6. Fall of Next Wicket
A live betting market where you predict at what score the next wicket will fall. This requires a deep understanding of the game’s flow.
- How it works: A line is set for the team’s score when the next wicket falls. You bet “Over” or “Under” that line.
- Strategy: If two set batsmen are at the crease and scoring freely, betting “Over” is a good option. If a new batsman is struggling or a dangerous bowler is in the middle of a great spell, betting “Under” makes more sense.
How to Choose the Right Market
The best market depends on your knowledge and the game’s context.
- For Beginners: Stick to the Match Winner market to get comfortable. The options are simple, and it helps you understand how odds move.
- For Statistical Analysts: If you love player stats and form guides, the Top Batsman/Bowler markets are for you.
- For Live Action Junkies: If you are watching the match live, Session Betting and Fall of Next Wicket offer constant engagement.
By diversifying your bets across these markets, you can find value even when the match outcome seems predictable. To get started, complete the Fairplay signup process, fund your account, and explore these markets in the next big cricket match. Your winning edge awaits.
