What is First Over Runs? First Over Runs Explained in 2 minutes
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
26/06/2026
What are First Over Runs?
First over runs are the number of runs scored in the opening over of a game of cricket. An over is a sequence of six balls, and the number of overs in a match will depend upon the format being played. Whether it is T20, 50-50 or Test Cricket, however, the first over will always be the first six balls.
How are First over Runs used in Sports Betting?
Betting on first over runs is just one of the many individual wagers which are available to any bettor following a game of cricket. There are two ways of betting on the number of runs scored in the first over. The first of these is for the bettor to choose a number of runs which they think will be scored during the first over and make the bet on the basis of the odds offered by the bookmaker. More runs are likely to be scored by opening batsmen, although an individual batsman may be going through a spell of getting out early, something which would influence the odds offered. If a stake of £5 is placed on 12 runs being scored in the first over at odds of 7/1, then the pay-out if 12 runs are scored will be £40, a profit of £35.
The other type of be available on first over runs is sometimes referred to as an under/over bet. The bettor will place a bet on the total being over or under a number set by the bookmaker. As this is, in effect, a 50/50 bet, the odds will be much shorter than on an individual bet.
In both types of first over runs bets, the total will include any extras or penalty runs and the over must be complete for the bet to stand.
