Cricket betting: markets for Tests, ODIs and T20
Three formats, three different sports for a bettor: five-day Tests, one-day internationals and T20 leagues.
Updated October 5, 2026
Cricket betting depends first on the format. A Test match lasts up to five days and can end in a draw; a one-day international (50 overs a side) or a T20 (20 overs) almost always produces a winner, with tie-breaks such as the super over in limited-overs cricket.
Popular cricket markets:
- Match winner, plus the draw in Tests, which weather and flat pitches make very real;
- Top batsman and top bowler for each team;
- Innings runs and runs in the first six overs (the powerplay in T20);
- Toss winner, a pure 50/50;
- Player runs lines, for example over 29.5 runs for an opener.
What moves cricket odds: the pitch (green seaming surfaces help fast bowlers, dry turning ones help spinners), the toss and the decision to bat or bowl, dew in evening matches making the ball hard to grip for the side bowling second, and rain, which can shorten limited-overs matches with revised targets. In T20 leagues, overseas player availability changes a team's strength from week to week.
Worked example: in a Test, the home side 2.10, the draw 3.75, the visitors 3.40. The draw at 3.75 implies 26.7 %; on a flat pitch with rain forecast for day four, you might rate it higher.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a cricket match end in a draw?
In Test cricket, yes: if time runs out before a result. A tie, where scores finish level, is different and very rare. Limited-overs matches usually use a tie-break.
What is the top batsman market?
You pick the player who will score the most runs for his team in a match or innings. Openers and top-order batsmen are usually the favourites.