What is First Innings Lead? First Innings Lead Explained in 2 minutes
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
31/03/2021
What is the First Innings Lead?
Any innings is a set period in a cricket match, during which one team bats and the other team bowls. In several cricket formats, such as One Day Internationals or T20 matches, each team only plays one innings each, but in a first class match, teams often bat for two innings, although the number of runs scored and the rate at which wickets are taken means that this sometimes doesn’t actually happen. The first innings lead refers to the number of runs by which one of the teams is ahead after both have completed their first innings.
How is the First Innings Lead used in Sports Betting?
The range of markets available for cricket matches has expanded hugely since the advent of online sports betting. As well as the traditional choices such as outright winner of a match or tournament, and man of the match, there are numerous in play or statistical options, including next wicket method, number of boundaries and top team batsman. Betting on the first innings lead means trying to predict which of the two teams will be in the lead after the first innings have been played. Factors which will impact upon the decision a bettor makes will include the starting line-ups and in particular whether either team has a star player missing. Other aspects to bear in mind include which team wins the toss and gets to choose whether to bat first. The team batting second may be dealing with a deteriorating pitch, and this could impact on the number of runs they manage to score, particularly if the opponents have a bowler able to take advantage of poor wickets. The form of the teams coming into the match will also have a huge bearing, as will the weather conditions and any perceived home advantage.
