How to Bet on Cricket: A Cricket Betting Guide for India
October 30, 2025
10 min read
Cricket is more than just a sport in India. It is a passion that brings millions of people together. From the Indian Premier League (IPL) to Test cricket, fans do not just watch the game. They feel every ball, every run, and every wicket. With the growth of online sportsbooks, this excitement has now reached a new level as fans can enjoy the thrill of predicting match outcomes through cricket betting.
If you are wondering how to bet on cricket safely, wisely, and successfully, this guide is for you. It will explain how betting odds work, the different types of bets you can place, and how to find the best cricket betting platforms in India.
Whether you are a beginner placing your first bet or a fan looking to improve your strategy, this guide will help you understand everything about modern cricket betting.
Reading Cricket Match Odds
Cricket odds are the base of all betting decisions. They show two important things: how likely an outcome is and how much money you can win if your bet is right.
Decimal odds are the most common format on Indian betting platforms. They show the total amount you will get for every ₹1 you bet, including your original stake.
Example:
If a team has odds of 2.50 and you bet ₹100, you will get ₹250 back if they win. That means ₹150 profit plus your ₹100 stake.
Lower odds mean the team is more likely to win but your profit will be smaller.
Higher odds mean the team is less likely to win but your profit will be bigger if they do.
You can also check the implied probability of winning. To do this, divide 1 by the odds and multiply by 100.
Odds of 2.00 represent a 50 percent chance of winning.
Odds of 4.00 represent a 25 percent chance of winning.
Odds often change before or during a match. When odds get shorter it usually means more people are betting on that team. When odds get longer it means fewer people are confident in that outcome.
It is always a good idea to compare odds on different betting platforms. Even small differences can make a big impact on your long term winnings. Having accounts on a few trusted cricket betting sites helps you always find the best value.
How to Bet on Cricket and Win
Cricket betting depends on how well you understand the game and its details. Before you bet for cricket, study the teams’ recent form, pitch conditions, and weather, as these factors can affect results. It’s best to focus on one format, like the IPL or ODIs, and track consistent players who perform well.
Always bet responsibly, set a budget, and avoid chasing losses to keep your betting smart and controlled.
Match Sportsbook
The most common and straightforward type of betting on cricket is the match-winner bet, also known as the Match Sportsbook. In this type of bet, you simply predict which team will win the match. Some sportsbooks also allow you to bet on a draw, especially in Test cricket.
If you prefer a safer approach, you can choose the “double chance” option. This allows you to bet on a team to either win or draw. While it reduces the overall risk, it also lowers the potential payout. Match Sportsbook bets are ideal for beginners who want to add extra excitement to watching cricket matches.
Innings Runs
Innings runs betting is focused on predicting how many runs a team will score in one innings. For example, you might see a market that says “India total runs Over or Under 280.5.” If you believe India will score more than 280 runs, you would bet on “Over.” If you think they will score less, you would bet on “Under.”
This form of bet in cricket is especially popular in ODIs and Test matches, where innings totals can vary widely depending on pitch conditions and the quality of bowling.
First Ball or First Over Cricket Betting
If you enjoy fast-paced betting action, the first ball or first over markets are perfect for you. In these bets, you predict what will happen right at the start of the game. You can bet on whether the first ball will be a dot, a boundary, or a wicket. Similarly, you can predict how many runs will be scored in the first over.
This type of betting is high-risk but offers quick and exciting results. It is particularly popular among live bettors who like immediate outcomes instead of waiting for the full match to finish.
Player and Team Total Cricket Betting
Player and team total betting gives you the chance to focus on individual performances rather than overall match results. You can bet on the total runs a player will score or the total number of runs a team will make during the match. For instance, you might predict that Virat Kohli will score more than 49.5 runs or that India will score more than 290.5 runs.
Some betting sites also offer special prop bets where you can predict whether a player will reach a half-century or a century. These markets add variety and depth to your betting options and make the game more interesting to follow.
Live Cricket Betting
Live or in-play betting is one of the most exciting ways to bet in cricket. It allows you to place bets while the match is happening, often alongside Cricket Live Streaming, so you can follow every ball in real time. The odds constantly change after each delivery or over based on what’s happening in the game.
You can bet on the outcome of the next delivery, the total runs in the next over, or which team will be leading at the halfway point. Live betting requires quick decision-making and good observation skills. Since the odds shift quickly, it is important to stay alert and avoid emotional betting. When used wisely, live betting adds another level of thrill and engagement to watching cricket.
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How to Win More with Cricket Prop Betting
Cricket prop bets, or proposition bets, let you wager on specific events that don’t impact the final result. They make betting more exciting, offering extra ways to win beyond picking the match winner. Common examples include betting on the top batsman, top bowler, or total sixes in a game.
T20 Cricket
T20, or Twenty20 cricket, is the fastest and most exciting format of the game. Each team plays 20 overs, leading to quick, high-scoring matches. In T20 betting, chasing teams often have an advantage, and power-hitters dominate, making bets like “Most Sixes” and “Top Batsman” popular. With fast momentum shifts, T20 matches are perfect for live betting.
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
One Day Internationals (ODIs) are a more strategic format of cricket where each team plays 50 overs. Success in ODI betting depends on studying recent performances, pitch conditions, and weather. Teams with strong bowlers often perform better, and rain or Duckworth Lewis rules can affect results, so always check forecasts before placing your bets.
Test Match Cricket
Test cricket is the oldest and most traditional format, played over five days with four innings. It needs patience and a good understanding of how pitch and weather conditions change during the match. Some pitches help spinners, while others favor fast bowlers. Because matches last longer, weather can affect results and even cause draws. Test matches are great for bettors who prefer long-term value and steady returns.
To Win the Match
This is the simplest and most common type of cricket bet. You just choose which team you think will win the match. In shorter formats like T20 or ODI, draws are rare, while in Tests they are more common. To make better decisions, always study team strengths, recent head-to-head records, and match conditions before placing your bet.
To Win the Toss
Betting on the toss is purely based on luck, but it remains a popular choice among fans. The coin toss can have a big impact on the game, as it determines which team will bat or bowl first. Many teams have specific strategies based on the pitch or weather, so winning the toss can give a small but useful advantage.
Man of the Match
This prop bet focuses on predicting which player will have the biggest impact in the game and win the Man of the Match award. Usually, top-performing batsmen or bowlers who take key wickets win this honor. Before placing your bet, review recent player performances and see who has been in good form.
Top Team Batsman
In this bet, you predict which player will score the most runs for a particular team. In shorter formats like T20 and ODI, opening batsmen have a higher chance of success since they face more balls and get the best scoring opportunities. Checking recent performance and strike rate helps improve your chances of making the right choice.
Top Team Bowler
This type of bet is about predicting which bowler will take the most wickets in a match. The conditions of the pitch are very important here. On dry, slow pitches, spin bowlers tend to perform well, while green pitches with bounce and pace often favor fast bowlers. Checking team stats such as recent bowling performance, strike rate, and average wickets can also help you make better and more informed betting decisions.
Highest Opening Partnership
This prop compares which team’s opening pair will score more runs together. When making this bet, consider the form of the openers, their chemistry as a batting pair, and the strength of the opponent’s bowling attack. Pitches that favor batting also make higher opening partnerships more likely.
Most Match Sixes
Betting on the team or player who will hit the most sixes adds excitement to short formats like T20. These matches are filled with big hitters, and boundary scoring is frequent. Players known for power-hitting, such as openers or middle-order batsmen, usually offer better chances for this type of bet.
Cricket Betting Platforms for Indian Users
Choosing the right platform is crucial for secure and smooth betting. Here are some trusted names for Indian bettors:
1. Betway
Betway is one of the most trusted platforms to bet on cricket in India. It offers a clean, user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to place bets. The site provides competitive odds, quick withdrawals, and secure payment options. With live betting and multiple cricket markets.
2. 1xBet
1xBet is one of the most popular platforms for cricket betting in India. It offers a wide range of cricket markets, from IPL to international matches, along with live betting options. The site provides competitive odds, fast payouts, and user-friendly features.
3. Parimatch
Parimatch is a trusted cricket betting platform known for its smooth mobile experience and fast updates during live matches. It offers a variety of cricket markets, easy navigation, and quick payouts. The app is perfect for users who like betting on the go, providing real-time odds and an enjoyable, hassle-free betting experience.
4. 10Cric
10Cric is a trusted betting site made especially for Indian cricket fans. It offers great coverage of IPL, international, and domestic matches, along with easy-to-use features and secure, local payment methods like UPI and NetBanking. With regular bonuses, smooth navigation, and live betting options,
Conclusion
Cricket betting is a mix of strategy, knowledge, and excitement. Whether you’re predicting the match winner, supporting your favorite player, or trying out prop bets, there’s always a fresh way to enjoy the game. To succeed, learn how to read odds correctly, start by focusing on one format, and always manage your bankroll responsibly.
Use reliable platforms and helpful tools like Best Cricket Prediction to make smarter decisions. As online betting becomes more accepted in India, knowing how to betting on cricket wisely will enhance your experience. Remember that true success in cricket betting comes from informed choices and a genuine love for the sport.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The safest way is to choose reputable and licensed betting platforms, set a budget, and use secure payment methods. Avoid unverified websites and always gamble responsibly.
T20 leagues like the IPL are the most popular because of their fast pace and frequent matches. However, Test and ODI formats also offer great betting opportunities for those who prefer detailed analysis.
Odds show how much you can win and the probability of an outcome. Lower odds mean a higher chance of winning but smaller payouts, while higher odds offer bigger returns with more risk.
Yes, many betting platforms allow live (in-play) betting, where you can place bets while the match is ongoing. Odds change with every ball, making it an exciting and dynamic experience.
Study team and player stats, understand pitch and weather conditions, and follow recent form. Focus on one format first and always bet with logic, not emotion.
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