First Innings score betting is a type of bet that involves predicting the total number of runs that will be scored by a team in their first inning. The betting site will set a line, which is the total number of runs that they believe will be scored. You can then bet on whether the total number of runs will be over or under the line.
Before indulging yourself in this type of market you should always check on the team's batting strength, bowling quality, playing styles, historical scoring patterns at the venue, and any recent trends that may affect the scoring rates.
Read on to find out how to understand the over/under line for first innings score bets and learn how to bet successfully.
How Does Over/Under Work?
In cricket betting, an over/under line is a bet on the number of runs that will be scored in the first innings of a match. You can bet on whether the total number of runs in the first innings will be over or under the line set by the online bookmaker.
For example, if the line is set at 250 runs, you could bet on the total number of runs being over 250 runs or under 250 runs in the first innings.
If you bet on the total number of runs in the first innings being over 250 runs, and the total number of runs scored is more than 250, you win your bet.
If you bet on the total number of runs being under 250 runs, and the total number of runs scored is less than 250, you win your bet.
Here are some tips to consider for when you place a First Innings Score bet:
- Study the form of the teams: If the teams are in good form, they are more likely to score more runs.
- Look at the pitch conditions: If the pitch is a good batting wicket, more runs will be scored.
- Consider the weather conditions: If it is a hot day, more runs will be scored.
- Look at the skill of the bowlers: If the bowlers are good, they will be able to restrict the number of runs that are scored.
- Injuries: Keep an eye on whether a star player or an important player is missing the match through injury or any other reason.
Following the tips mentioned above, here are some examples of how you can place an informed first innings score bet and maximize your chances of winning:
- If both teams are in good form, you could bet on the total number of runs being over the line.
- If the pitch is a good batting wicket, you could bet on the total number of runs being over the line.
- If it is a hot day, you could bet on the total number of runs being over the line.
- If the bowlers are not in good form, you could bet on the total number of runs being over the line.
Examples of First Innings Score Bets
Now you understand the basics of betting over/under on First Innings score, we will give you some real life examples that can help you understand how to read the odds.
If you want to know more about the odds and how to bet on over/under, you should check out our over/under betting guide.
Read through the 3 examples below to understand how to make informed decisions for this bet type.
1. India vs West Indies Test Match Example
India is playing against West Indies in a Test match. The pitch is a good batting wicket, and the weather is hot. The bookmaker sets the over/under line at 375 runs in the first innings.
The odds for Team India in the first innings are as follows:
- Over 375 – 1.90
- Under 375 – 2.80
You bet for βoverβ, and Team India scores 430 runs, so you win the bet. So if you had placed INR 1000 as a bet, you would have earned INR 1,900 (1,000 x 1.90). Do remember that this includes your initial stake, so your net profit is INR 900.
2. England vs Australia ODI Example
England is playing against Australia in a one-day international. The pitch is a good batting wicket, but the weather is overcast. The bookmaker sets the over/under line at 300 runs.
You bet on the total number of being under 300 runs. England scores 285 runs in their first innings, you win your bet.
3. New Zealand vs South Africa T20 Example
New Zealand is playing against South Africa in a Twenty20 International. The pitch is a good batting wicket, and the weather is sunny. The bookmaker sets the over/under line at 180 runs.
The odds of the total number of runs being over 180 are as follows:
- Over – 1.50
- Under – 2.50
South Africa is batting first, and you feel they have a good batting side to score above 180, so you place an over bet.
It turns out that South Africa gets stuck at 157 runs in the first inning. In this example you have lost your bet, as the first innings score is under 180.
