What is 40 Over Cricket?
40 over cricket is a shortened form of the game often referred to as T20 or Twenty20 cricket. The format of the game involves each team batting for a single innings which is restricted to just 20 overs or 120 balls. The shorter form of the game encourages a more expansive style of playing, with teams aiming to score runs as quickly as possible.
How is 40 Overs Cricket Used in Sports Betting?
The bets which can be placed on test matches or other shorter forms of the game, such as the match result, man of the match, first over runs and run out can all be placed on 40 over cricket matches. The precise circumstances of the game mean that there are some differences to watch out for when placing bets, however.
The fact that the pitch doesn’t have time to deteriorate means that there is little advantage to be gained from batting first. Restrictions placed on fielding positions in 40 over cricket matches mean that batsmen are encouraged to swing for fours and sixes, particularly during the opening and closing overs of the match. Analysing the batting and bowling strength of each team makes it possible top place bets on the number of boundaries a particular team is likely to score. Many bookmakers offer a predicted run total which shifts as the match develops and on which bets are placed over or under the total.
40 over cricket also offers a range in in-play betting options. The emphasis placed on run totals means that several non-scoring balls in a row mean that the batsman will have to throw caution to the wind, increasing the likelihood of either a boundary or a wicket on the next ball. The key to successful 40 over cricket betting is research – finding out what the conditions are likely to be and whether the ground has a history of favouring the first or second side out to bat.