Betting on the match winner in cricket can be exciting and potentially rewarding if approached with knowledge and strategy.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of betting on a team to win, explaining key concepts such as odds and providing practical tips to maximize your winnings.
This page is part of our ultimate beginners guide. Make sure to check it out if you are new to the world of online betting.
What is a Match Winner Bet?
For beginners, a match-winner bet in cricket is one where you predict which team will win the match outright. It's a straightforward bet where you choose the team you believe will emerge as the winner at the end of the match.
When placing a match winner bet, you select one of the two competing teams. For example India is taking on Australia in an ODI World Cup match.
Team India: Odds of 2.00
Australia: Odds of 1.75
In this scenario, if you place a bet of INR 1,000 on India to win, and they indeed emerge as the winner, you would receive a payout of INR 2,000. This means that you make a profit of INR 1,000.
However, if Team India loses or the match ends in a tie, your bet will be considered unsuccessful, and you won't receive a payout. Meanwhile, if a match is abandoned due to some reason, your bets will be null and void.
In multi-day Test matches, a draw can be a possible outcome, especially if both teams are unable to complete their innings within the allocated time or if the match reaches a stalemate. In such cases, some sportsbooks may offer a specific draw option for betting.
Here is what that looks like considering 2 bettors that each place a stake of INR 1,000 on the opposite outcomes.
Understanding Odds for Match Winner Bets
Fractional and Decimal are odds the two most popular formats of the odds. While decimal odds are by far the most common odds type in India, itβs good to know how fractional odds work as well.
In the example below we explain to you how to read the odds, what they mean and how to decide if odds are good.
Decimal Odds: In decimal odds, you can calculate your potential winnings by multiplying your bet amount by the odds. For example, if the odds of India winning a match are 2.00, this means that you will win INR 200 for every INR 100 you bet. If the odds of Australia winning are 1.75, this means that you will win INR 175 for every INR 100 you bet.
Fractional Odds: If the odds are given as 3/1, it means that for every 1 unit you bet, you stand to win 3 units if your prediction is correct. If the odds for India to win the match against West Indies are given as 2/1, it means that for every 1,000 rupees you bet, you stand to win 2,000 rupees if your prediction is correct. So, if you bet 10,000 rupees on India, your potential winnings would be 20,000 rupees.
Examples of Match Winner Odds
Here are some more examples to help you understand how odds work. For decimal odds, you simply multiply your stake with the odds to calculate the return. Do note that the return includes your original stake as well.
- India vs Australia: India are the favorites to win this match, with odds of 1.66. This means that if you bet 1000 rupees on India to win, you would win 1660 rupees if they were successful.
- England vs Pakistan: England are the underdogs in this match, with odds of 2.30. This means that if you bet 1000 rupees on England to win, you would win 2300 rupees if they were successful.
Factors to Consider
When placing a match winner bets, it is important to consider certain factors that can influence the match. Below we highlight the 3 most important factors.
Team Performance: Analyze the recent performances of both teams. Consider their win-loss records, form, and player injuries or suspensions. For example, if India has been consistently performing well and has key players in good form, they might be the favorable choice against a struggling West Indies side.
Head-to-Head Statistics: Study the historical head-to-head records between the two teams. Look for patterns, such as teams that consistently perform better against certain opponents. This information can provide valuable insights when making your prediction.
Venue Analysis: Different teams have varying levels of success at different venues. Consider factors like pitch conditions, weather conditions, and the team's past performances at that venue. For instance, if India has a strong track record playing in Mumbai, it could increase their chances of winning against any opponent at that venue.
Strategies for Placing Match Winner Bets
If you decide to place a match winner bets, there are some basic tips that can help you maximize your winnings or minimize your losses. Always keep these basic betting tips in mind when you place a bet, as they can save your bankroll.
When you are making informed betting decisions you have a lower chance of losing your money and can continue placing bets for a longer time.
Bet Within Your Limits: Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Avoid the temptation to wager large amounts or chase losses. Remember, responsible betting is key. Be patient and don't chase your losses.
Analyze Odds and Value: Compare the odds offered by different bookmakers to find the best value. Look for instances where the odds seem higher than you expected based on your analysis. Identifying value bets can increase your potential winnings in the long run. For example, if you believe India has a high chance of winning but the odds offered are unusually high (example 5.00), it could be a valuable betting opportunity.
In-Play Betting: Consider placing bets during the match itself. Watch the game closely and look for valuable betting opportunities as the match progresses. For example, if India loses early wickets but their star batsman is still at the crease, you might consider placing a bet on them to still win, as the odds might now be more rewarding. As the odds keep changing very quickly, you can place some amount before the match starts and you can place some during the match, as you might get value bets during this duration.
