What is the Boundary?
The boundary is the line which marks the edge of the playing field in a game of cricket. The distance between boundary and the wicket can vary between different cricket grounds, and the line of the boundary itself is marked, in professional games, by a physical barrier such as a line of padded cushions.
How is the Boundary Used in Sports Betting?
The boundary is a vital component of any bet which relies upon the number of runs scored during a match. A ball which travels over the boundary without touching the ground is awarded six runs, while one which crosses the boundary after hitting the ground is worth four runs. It should be noted that if a fielder catches the ball but then treads on, or over, the boundary line, the ball will be viewed as having gone over the boundary and the runs will be given, rather than the batsman being out.
The boundary could play a part in a bet on the number of runs scored in an innings, a match or by a particular batsman. It is also possible to place bets on the number of sixes or fours which might be scored during a match, and these bets can be placed in respect of an entire match, an innings or even a set number of overs.
Making bets using the boundary involves balancing factors such as the condition of the ground, how fast the boundary is, and the form of the batsmen involved, with the type of match being played. Shorter forms of cricket such as T20 and One Day Internationals encourage batsmen to go for higher scores more quickly, which generally results in more boundaries being hit. A team having to chase a total late in a match will also generally lead to batsmen taking more chances and hitting out for boundaries, which offers excellent in play betting opportunities in terms of fours and sixes being scored, and wickets being taken.