What is First Innings Total? First Innings Total Explained in 2 minutes
Jesse M. Cox Last Verified
28/08/2026
A first innings total is the number of runs a team scores during their opening innings in a cricket match. When it comes to sports betting, this market is about predicting whether that final total ends up above or below a set line.
In this guide, we will break down how first innings total betting works, including how totals are set across formats and real-life examples. We will also brush upon some common betting approaches, what major sports books you can find this market in as well as live betting and similar options available.
First Innings Total Explained
The first innings total is the number of runs a team scores during their first innings in a cricket match.
The number of innings in a game depends on the format so for example in test cricket, both teams can bat twice. But when looking at T20 each side gets one innings with a set number of overs which can cause a variation in the scores.
When it comes to betting, the first innings total is shown as a set line which means you are making predictions based on whether the teams final score ends up being above or below that stated number. So, if the line is 275.5 runs it comes down to if the team reaches 276 or finishes below 275.
Every run that is scored in that innings is included, no matter how it is made, so this includes wides and no balls because they form part of the final score.
Lines are set dependent on the format as mentioned earlier. Typically test matches will have higher and less predictable scores compared to T20 and ODI which are more consistent due to fixed overs. Other things that come into play are things like the overall team and pitch conditions also influence how the lines are set.
Real-life examples of First Innings Total
We know that the key to understanding first innings total becomes much easier when you can see how it plays out. Here are some examples from a few different formats:
| Match | Market | Line | Final Score | Winning Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI Match | India | 290.5 | 300 runs | Over |
| T20 Match | England | 165.5 | 150 runs | Under |
| Test Match | Australia | 375.5 | 380 runs | Over |
Test matches tend to produce higher and less predictable totals because of the longer format. In this case, anything above 375.5 counts as over, so the higher total decides the result.
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First Innings Total Betting Strategies
Now we have explained how the bets work but getting close to the line all comes down to understanding what influences the scoring during a match. There are certain things you want to look out for and be aware of before getting started so you can have a better idea of if the total is set too high or too low.
Player Strengths and Batting Style
You can really get to know the players, and it can sometimes work in your favour. Some batsmen are known for scoring quickly and building high totals, while others play more cautiously, which can slow the scoring rate. You can check out the lineup and judge how the play may be.
Ground Conditions
You may have noticed that different grounds have different scoring patterns, check recent matches at the same venue so you can see whether the pitch favors batting or bowlers which can lead to different scores.
Pitch Deteriation
The ground can change while the match goes on, making it harder to play in the later stages. We recommend checking a pre-match analysis and listening to some expert commentary to find out about these trends.
Weather Impact
Like in all sports the weather has a huge impact in the outcomes, when it is wet scoring can be more difficult and alternatively in drier conditions batting is easier and totals can climb.
Match Format
As we have already mentioned the format of the match really does shape how teams play. T20 tends to be more fast paced with higher scores while test matches are a little slower. Earlier, we uncovered this in a bit more detail so do take a look.
Where is First Innings Total Betting Available at Popular US Sportsbooks?
You can find first innings total betting at most major US sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365. It isn’t always listed as a main market, but it does appear during major cricket events, usually under specials.
For example at DraftKings and FanDuel, first innings totals are usually included within match props or innings markets, where you can back over or under a set run line. These become available during the bigger tournaments.
BetMGM also includes first innings total betting as part of its wider cricket offering, often grouped alongside other markets. We found that bet365 provides the most coverage, with first innings totals available across a wide range of match formats.
Are First Innings Total Bets Available for Live Betting?
First innings total bets are placed before the innings begins rather than during live play.
This is because once the innings starts the score is already in progress and the outcome becomes easier to predict.
That being said some sportsbooks may offer alternative live markets instead for cricket which work in a similar way but are adjusted in real time based on how the match is unfolding.
Similar Bets to First Innings Total
If you are wondering what other similar betting types there are that look at other parts of a cricket match, then do not worry, we have you covered. Some of these follow the same idea but move the focus to either different patterns or focus completely on specific outcomes.
First Over Total
The First Over Total market focuses on the number of runs scored in the very first over of the innings. It works with a set line and an over/under outcome based on how many runs are scored in those opening deliveries.
First Over Odd or Even
Instead of predicting a run total, the First Over Odd or Even market is based on whether the number of runs scored in the first over is odd or even.
First Innings Lead
The First Innings Lead market focuses on which team finishes their first innings with a higher total.
First Dot Ball
A dot ball is a delivery where no runs are scored, this market looks at when the first dot ball will occur, often using a range where you predict whether it happens before or after a certain delivery.
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- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
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Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
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- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
Is First Innings Total Betting Worth Considering?
First innings total betting is relatively simple and looks at the number of runs scored in a team’s opening innings. As we have covered in this guide, it’s based on an over/under line, with the final outcome shaped by things like the match format.
If you’re new to exploring cricket betting markets, first innings totals give you a clear way to follow scoring patterns. You can take a look at the sportsbooks listed above to see what’s available and try it out in some upcoming matches.
