Cricket Bet Types Explained

What Is a Match Winner Bet in Cricket?

The Match Winner market is the most straightforward and widely used cricket bet type. In this market, players simply select which team they believe will win the match. The outcome is determined by the official match result as declared by the governing body or tournament authority.

However, unlike football, cricket matches can end in situations such as No Result, Tie, or Super Over, which directly affect how Match Winner bets are settled. If a match is abandoned due to weather before meeting minimum overs requirements, Match Winner bets are typically void. If the match result is decided using the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method, the DLS-adjusted winner is used for settlement.

In tournaments that allow Super Overs, the Super Over winner is usually considered the official match winner unless stated otherwise in the market description. This distinction is important because different platforms may label markets as "Match Winner (Including Super Over)" or "Match Winner (Regular Overs Only)."

How Handicap Betting Works in Cricket

Handicap betting in cricket is designed to balance uneven matches by giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage in runs or wickets. This market is commonly used when one team is significantly stronger than the other, making simple Match Winner odds unattractive.

For example, a team may be given a -10.5 run handicap, meaning they must win the match by at least 11 runs for the bet to be successful. Conversely, a weaker team might receive a +10.5 run handicap, allowing them to lose by up to 10 runs while still covering the bet.

Handicap bets are settled after the final result is confirmed, including any DLS adjustments. In rain-affected matches where the official result stands, handicap calculations are applied to the final adjusted score. If the match is abandoned with no official result, handicap bets are usually void.

Understanding Over/Under Markets in Cricket

Over/Under betting allows players to wager on whether a specific statistic will exceed or fall below a predefined line. In cricket, this typically includes total match runs, team runs, innings runs, or total wickets.

For example, a market may offer "Total Match Runs Over/Under 312.5." If the combined runs scored by both teams exceed 312, the Over bet wins; otherwise, the Under bet wins.

Settlement depends on the completion of the relevant innings. If a match is shortened but officially completed under DLS, Over/Under bets are settled based on the final adjusted totals. However, if the relevant innings does not reach the minimum threshold defined by the market, the bet may be void.

What Are Session Bets in Cricket?

Session betting focuses on specific segments of a match rather than the final result. Common session markets include Powerplay runs, first 10 overs, first innings total, or team to score highest in a specific phase.

These markets are popular in live betting environments because they allow players to engage with the game in smaller time frames. For example, a bet may be placed on whether a team will score more than 55 runs in the first 6 overs of a T20 match.

Session bets are settled once the defined segment is completed. If the session is interrupted and cannot be completed, the bet may be void depending on platform rules. Unlike full-match markets, session bets are less affected by overall match outcomes and more influenced by immediate performance.

Individual Player Statistics

Player markets focus on individual performance rather than team outcomes. These markets are popular because they allow bettors to leverage knowledge of specific players' form, conditions, and matchups.

Common player markets include Top Batsman, Top Bowler, Player Runs Over/Under, Player Wickets, and Most Sixes/Fours. Settlement typically requires the player to participate in the match - if a player doesn't bat or bowl, bets are usually void.

Exchange Betting vs Traditional Sportsbook Markets

Exchange-style cricket markets allow users to bet for (Back) or against (Lay) an outcome, effectively acting as a market participant rather than betting against the platform. Odds in exchange markets are determined by supply and demand, not fixed pricing.

This structure offers greater flexibility but also introduces additional complexity. Exchange bets may settle differently during abandoned matches or unusual situations, and liquidity plays a major role in price stability.

Exchange markets are commonly used for Match Odds, Session Markets, and Player Performance, and are best suited for users who understand how market-driven odds work.