The concept of session betting is an interesting one in cricket, probably because it’s unique to this sport. In this article, we try and explain what cricket session betting is and look at a few examples for the same.
Cricket betting isn’t too difficult but if you are looking to make a tidy profit doing that, it’s important to combine your knowledge of the game with the various concepts around cricket betting.
As they say, it’s great to couple theoretical knowledge with actual experience and we strongly believe in this adage. Which is why betting without understanding the basics could be an exercise fraught with danger.
In this piece, we look another concept in cricket betting by the name of session betting. So, what is session betting in cricket?
Session betting in cricket involves predicting the outcome of a specific period or session within a cricket match.
Going In-Depth about Session Betting in Cricket
To explain this a little bit more, these sessions typically refer to predefined periods such as the first innings, the second innings, a particular segment of overs, or even a specific time frame during the match.
Participants in session betting place wagers on various outcomes within these sessions, including runs scored, wickets taken, or other performance metrics.
Session betting adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement to cricket matches. It allows bettors to focus on smaller segments of the game, making it dynamic and unpredictable.
The outcomes of session betting can be influenced by various factors such as pitch conditions, weather, player form, and match situation.
Sessions in Test Cricket
For instance, in a Test match, session betting could involve predicting the number of runs a team will score or the number of wickets they will lose in a particular session, typically consisting of two-hour blocks.
(for those uninitiated, a day of Test match cricket consists of three sessions of two hours apiece with weather sometimes increasing this to up to three hours on the odd occasion)
In limited-overs cricket like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches, there are fewer sessions in a day’s play, often defined by powerplays or strategic periods where teams are likely to play aggressively or defensively.
Sessions in ODI Cricket
A session in an ODI could consist of an innings that’s typically 50 overs long in case of an interrupted match.
This session could further be divided into the Powerplay overs – currently there are three Powerplays in each innings. As on February 2024, the first Powerplay in an ODI lasts the first 10 overs, which is followed by the second Powerplay between overs 11th to 40th. The third and the final Powerplay is between the 41st and the 50th over of the innings.
These sessions dictate how many fielders can be kept outside the 30-yard circle at the most. In the first Powerplay a maximum of two fielders are outside the circle, then four fielders are allowed outside in the second Powerplay while in the last part of the innings, a max of five fielders can be sent back outside the 30-yard circle.
Sessions in T20I or T20 Cricket
In a T20 match, a session could be the powerplay overs (usually the first six overs of the innings), and the non-Powerplay overs (between overs 7 to 20).
How to Bet on Sessions in Cricket?
There are various markets associated with cricket session betting. Bettors might predict the number of runs a team will score or the number of wickets they might lose during this phase.
Session betting in cricket encompasses several markets that cater to different aspects of the game. Here are some common cricket betting markets associated with session betting:
Runs Over/Under
This market involves predicting whether the total runs scored by a team or both teams combined will be over or under a certain number within a specified session. For example, predicting whether a team will score over 50 runs in the first six overs of a T20 match.
Wickets Over/Under
Similar to the runs market, bettors predict whether the number of wickets fallen in a session will be over or under a specified threshold. For instance, betting on whether both teams will lose under 2 wickets during the first session of a Test match.
Highest Scoring Over
In this market, bettors predict which over within a session will yield the highest number of runs. This requires understanding the momentum shifts and strategic decisions made by teams during the match.
Method of Next Dismissal
This market involves predicting how the next batsman will be dismissed. It could be by bowled, caught, lbw (leg before wicket), run out, or any other form of dismissal recognized in cricket.
Player Performance
Bettors can wager on individual player performances within a session, such as predicting the number of runs a specific batsman will score or the number of wickets a particular bowler will take.
Boundary Betting
This market focuses on the number of boundaries (fours and sixes) that will be hit within a session. Bettors predict whether the number of boundaries will be over or under a certain threshold.
Milestone Betting
This market involves predicting whether specific milestones will be achieved within a session, such as a batsman reaching a half-century or a bowler taking a five-wicket haul.
These betting markets provide a wide range of options for cricket enthusiasts to engage with the game at a granular level, making session betting an exciting aspect of cricket betting.
However, it’s essential for bettors to conduct thorough research, analyze game conditions, and stay informed about team and player statistics to make informed betting decisions. Additionally, responsible betting practices should always be observed to mitigate risks associated with gambling.
Like every other form of cricket betting, session betting requires a good understanding of the game, including players’ strengths and weaknesses, pitch conditions, and match dynamics.
These include the impact of team composition, the significance of batting order, the evaluation of match-ups between batters and bowlers, and the role of momentum shifts in cricket.
Final Word on Session Betting in Cricket
Session betting is a popular form of cricket betting due to its fast-paced nature and the potential for significant payouts based on accurate predictions. However, like all forms of betting, it involves risk and should be approached responsibly.
Understanding session betting across different formats of cricket allows enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the intricacies of the game while enjoying the thrill of predicting outcomes within specific game segments.
Photo Credit: Sagar Kulkarni
