Cricket betting provides an exciting opportunity to predict the performance of batsmen and potentially earn money.
In this article, we will guide you through the process using simple examples, enabling you to make informed decisions and maximize your winnings when you are betting on top batsmen in a particular game.
How to Bet on Top Batsman?
Betting on the top batsman in a cricket match is a popular type of bet, also called fancy bet, where you predict which player will score the most runs for their team. The top batsman market focuses on identifying the player who will score the most runs in a match or innings.
It doesn't matter if their team wins or loses; the only criterion is the individual's batting performance. Let's say there's a T20 cricket match between India and Australia. You determine that Virat Kohli is in excellent form and has a strong record against the Australian team.
He usually bats in the top order and has a high batting average. Based on this information, you decide to bet on Virat Kohli as the top batsman for India in the match. If he indeed scores the most runs, your bet wins.
Understanding Odds for Top Batsman Bets
Before diving into betting strategies, it's essential to understand how odds work when betting on the top batsman.
Odds reflect the probability of a particular batsman scoring the most runs in a match. Lower odds indicate a higher likelihood of that batsman winning.
Let's take a hypothetical example to explain:
- Rohit Sharma: 3.75
- Virat Kohli: 2.50
- Ajinkya Rahane: 4.50
If the odds for Virat Kohli to be the top batsman in an India vs. West Indies match are 2.50, it means that for every 100 Rupees you bet, you stand to win 250 Rupees if your prediction is correct.
So, if you bet 1,000 rupees on Kohli and he becomes the top batsman, your potential winnings would be 2,500 rupees.
As the odds for Kohli are the lowest, the chance of him winning the top batsman title is the highest. On the other hand, the chance of Ajinkya Rahane winning the top batsman title is the lowest, based on his higher odds of 4.50.
In addition to betting on the amount of runs a certain player will score, there are also other bets you can place on the batsman's performance.
Here's an overview of some bets related to batting strength:
- Virat Kohli to score the most runs in the match: Odds of 2.00 – Top batsman
- Rohit Sharma to hit the most sixes in the match: Odds of 3.50 – Most sixes
- Steve Smith to score a century in both innings of the match: Odds of 6.00 – To hit a century
- Joe Root to score a double century in the match: Odds of 10.00 – To hit a double century
So the higher the odds for a particular event, the lower chances of that event happening. Joe Root scoring a double century has the lowest chance, meaning that if you bet 100 rupees on this event, your return will be 1000 Rupees (100 x 10.00).
Factors to Consider
When considering top batsman bets in cricket, there are several factors to take into account.
These factors can help you make more informed decisions and help you in maximising your profit. You can see the most important factors below.
Batsman Recent Form
Analyze the batsman's recent performances, including their average, strike rate, and consistency.
For instance, if Kohli has maintained a high average and an impressive strike rate in his previous matches, he becomes a strong contender for the top batsman bet.
Head-to-Head Records
Look for patterns and historical data to identify batsmen who consistently perform well against certain teams. This can give you an edge in selecting the top batsman.
For example, Rohit Sharmaβs head-to-head record against Sri Lanka is splendid in ODIβs – So the chances of him becoming the best batsman are very high.
Make sure to check out our cricket match predictions to find the head-to-head records of all cricket teams.
Batting Position
If a team's opener, like Shikhar Dhawan, has a strong record of scoring heavily at the beginning of an innings, they become a favorable choice for the top batsman bet.
Openers and top-order batsmen generally have more opportunities to score big runs.
Strategies for Betting on Top Batsman
Now you understand the odds and know which factors to consider before placing a bet on the top batsman, we will provide you with some strategies to maximize your profit.
These strategies can help you minimize risk and maximize profit if you deploy them well.
Analyze Individual Match-ups
Consider specific matchups between batsmen and bowlers. For example, if India is playing against England, and Virat Kohli has a strong record against England's premier fast bowler, James Anderson, you might place a bet on Kohli to be the top batsman in that match.
On the other hand, if Virat Kohli is batting in a match against Pakistan, the statistics may not be in his advantage.
Consider Venue and Pitch
Evaluate the venue and pitch conditions. If a match is taking place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, which is known for its flat and batting-friendly pitch, you could consider betting on batsmen who have historically performed well at this venue.
For instance, Rohit Sharma has a remarkable record at the Wankhede Stadium, making him a strong candidate for the top batsman bet.
Monitor In-Play Betting
Watch the match closely and observe the performance of the batsmen during the game.
If a batsman, such as Kane Williamson, starts scoring runs at a rapid pace and shows signs of being in excellent form, you could place an in-play bet on him to be the top batsman, capitalizing on his current momentum and performance.