Latest Cricket Betting Tips: Top Strategies for 2025

December 31, 2024

Cricket is a sport with a massive following of lovers and offers plenty of cricket betting odds. It originated in England towards the end of the 16th century, becoming a permanent fixture in the 18th, and gained worldwide recognition throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

In countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, it is the national sport and widely followed. It also has massive followings in other countries like South Africa, the UK, and Australia. Malaysia cricket has also grown, and you can enjoy many local tournaments.

Cricket doesn’t attract the same types of fans as sports such as football or rugby due to their faster-paced nature. The game has a much slower pace, with a cricket tournament lasting up to several days. Some events get played over a day, and there are various formats, including the one-day internationals and international test matches. 

Add to that all the domestic leagues, and you’ll find endless wagering opportunities. We want to walk you through all the terms and top tips with our comprehensive cricket betting guide. Keep reading to learn the rules and how to place your bets. 

Understanding Cricket Betting Basics

There are various formats of cricket and, therefore, different rules. The first is to understand cricket basics. The game centers on players taking wickets and scoring runs. It gets played on a massive grassed field with a 22-yard pitch in the middle. 

At each end of this pitch, 3 wickets look like stumps sticking out of the ground. They also have 2 smaller sticks called bails balanced across the top. There are 2 wickets on the field, one at each end. 

Two teams play against each other, and each team has 11 players who get to take it in turns where they either get to bowl or bat. You’ll also see 2 umpires on the field who watch the proceedings to ensure the rules have been followed and adjudicate the matches. 

When a team is up to bat, only 2 of their players will be on the pitch at any given time and stationed at each wicket. When batting, they aim to achieve as many runs as possible before getting sent off, and another player comes on to take their turn. 

Runs get scored by the players hitting the bowled ball and there are 2 ways to score. They either can run between the wickets. Or there are boundaries on the field; if they hit a ball over one, they will receive a higher score. 

The team bowling, on the other hand, unlike the batters has all of their 11 players on the pitch at the same time. They will either be bowling the ball, protecting the wicket, or out fielding, trying to stop the ball from reaching over the boundary. The ultimate aim is to stop the other team from scoring and getting the person batting bowled or caught out. 

They can do this in a few ways:

• Bowled: This is where the bowler manages to hit the wicket and dislodges the bails. This is one of the most common ways to get bowled out, also known as dismissal. 
• Caught: This is where the fielder manages to catch a ball after being batted and before it touches the ground. This is the most frequent dismissal method. Any of the fielders can catch the ball except for the bowler and the wicket-keeper. 
• Leg before wicket (LBW): In this scenario in cricket betting, the ball hits a part of the batsman’s body or pad when it is heading for the stumps. It also means the player is sent off. 
• Run out: This is where the batsman fails to reach the crease whilst running between the wickets. The fielding team will hit the stumps or the batsman to get them out.
• Stumped: This method is where the batsman leaves the crease and, in turn, misses the ball. The wicket-keeper can remove the bails if the batsman is not behind the crease. 

There are also some standard cricket terms which are very useful to know as follows:

Overs

An over is the number of bowls the bowler can throw to the batsman on the wickets at the opposite end. The number of overs when cricket betting varies depending on the tournament being played. For example, there is no limit to the number of overs in test cricket, whilst in one-day internationals, each team gets to bowl 50 overs.  The opposing team aims to eliminate all the batsmen in the allocated overs. 

Innings

When a team is batting, it’s referred to as the innings, and with some cricket tournaments, each team will only have 1 innings each. It means they will have 2 turns to bat, and the number of runs achieved from both innings is combined for the final score and end results to crown the winning team. 

Four/Six

These terms relate to how the scoring is undertaken including the number of runs on the boundaries on the field. If a batter scores between running between the wickets, they may score 1,2 or 3 runs. The Four and Six run scores are earned if the batter hits the ball to one of the boundaries. 

A Four score is automatically added if the ball reaches the outer boundary outside the field. If the ball makes it as far as the crowds or stands, it is an automatic score of 6. The batters won’t need to run when either of these events occurs. 

Cricket Betting Odds in Malaysia: The Options

If you’re new to cricket betting, it offers numerous markets for your wagers. We want to detail the main types of bets to help you decide what matches, markets, or tournaments you will bet on. Let us look at some of the terms you’ll come across to help you successfully wager on this top sport with just a few clicks of the mouse or a few taps on your mobile devices. 

Match Winner	This bet is one of the easiest. You will choose which of the 2 teams you think will win your chosen game. As soon as the match is over, if you successfully selected the right team, you will receive your payout as soon as there is a winner.
Series/Outright Winner	A cricket tournament can run over a day, a few days, or even longer. Here, you can place your cricket betting odds on who you think will be the overall winner.
Top Run Scorer	This popular cricket betting option lets you bet on the players when bowling and who you believe will score the most number of runs in various scenarios. There are a few options. You can stake on the most runs in the match, innings, or across the whole tournament.
Top Wicket Taker	This bet is on the fielder players and the one that manages to get the most bowlers out by taking wickets.
Innings Runs	Here, you can place your wager on the number of runs you believe will get scored in an innings.
First Wicket Method	Here, you can predict how you think the first batsman at the wickets will get dismissed.
Over/Under	There are various options for cricket betting odds on this market. You can bet on whether you believe the total number of runs, fours, or sixes will be over or under set numbers.
Man of the Match	If you fancy a certain player, you can bet on them to be named the best performer.

Best Cricket Betting Strategies for Beginners

To become a cricket betting pro, you must have a strategy before you begin. Here are some of our top ones to help you, including how to get the best cricket betting odds. 

Research Cricket Historical Data

You’ll find plenty of online data and team histories. Spend some time researching team and player past performances. Understanding how the team has fared when playing against each other in the past can help you gain a betting edge. 

Focus on Specialist Cricket Markets

Rather than only betting on the winners of the match, look at other cricket betting odds on other markets, such as the method of dismissal or the top batsman. They come with a higher payout, and with enough research, predicting them gets easier. 

Manage Your Bankroll

This is one of the most important aspects of cricket betting, especially in ensuring your long-term success. You should only ever use a percentage of your budget for your wagers and never try to recoup losses. We recommend only using between 1 – 2 % of your total budget on your bets. It lets you place more bets rather than depleting the budget for a couple of matches. 

Back and Lay Betting

This top method is often used in ODIs and Test Matches. When you have already backed a team to win before the match. You can lay the odds against them if they shorten, allowing you to secure a profit no matter the final outcome. This method is for more advanced players as you have to use a betting exchange, but it can be profitable if used correctly.

Hedging Your Bets

This is another way to lessen risk and place bets on different outcomes. Let us say you have bet on a team to win the match, like India, for example. If they are doing well and the odds are higher for the opposing team, you can place a small bet on them to minimise any loss if the other team ends up winning. 

Cricket Betting Odds

Knowing how the different odds formats work will also ensure you understand the types of returns you can earn. 

• Decimal Odds: These odds are the most widely used by Malaysian bookmakers. As an example, if you were say to bet on odds of 2.00 and your bet was RM100, you would win RM200 if successful, RM100 back of your initial stake, and RM100 in profit. 
• Fractional Odds: The UK is one of the few countries left using these cricket betting odds. For odds of 2/1 the same scenario as above applies to your wins. Let’s say you got odds of 3/1, and then an RM100 bet would return RM300.  

Understanding Cricket Matches/Tournament 

We briefly touched on the different cricket forms. The most prestigious and popular is the Test Match. But there are also other types, such as One Day Internationals and local Malaysia cricket leagues. 

The most popular markets include the following we’ve displayed below. 

Test Match Cricket

This international cricket takes 5 days, and there are 4 innings. This means each team has 2 innings. It is the most traditional and recognised cricket with the most extensive cricket betting odds. 

12 countries participate in the Test matches, meaning they are a member of the International Cricket Council(ICC). A team must outscore or bowl out their opponents at the end of the 2 innings to win. If not, the match will end in a draw. 

The Test series includes from 2 to 5 matches between the same teams. The system ensures that all the Test Teams play each other over a 6-year cycle. The most well-known one is the Ashes, with England and Australia competing against each other every 2 years. It consists of 5 Test Matches over several weeks in different cities and countries, offering numerous cricket betting markets.

One Day Internationals (ODI’s)

This is another top cricket tournament that only lasts a day. Both teams face 50 overs and have a much faster pace. A game will typically last 7 hours. If one of the teams scores all the runs or loses 10 wickets, the innings can end. There are also different rules regarding the placement in the field during the first and last 10 overs in each innings. 

Besides a massive range of cricket betting odds for the numerous matches each year, the ODI is the format used during the Cricket World Cup. This occurs every 4 years, just like the Football and Rugby World Cups. 

Twenty20 Cricket

This format involves each team facing 20 overs with the fastest pace. Initially, it was only used for domestic games, but it soon expanded to include the Twenty20 International and the ICC T20 World Cup.

For the first six Overs of Twenty20 cricket, there is a powerplay element, where the captain can change the placement of fielders to facilitate faster scoring. During the powerplay, there are only 2 fielders allowed on the boundaries, making it easier for the bowlers to score. 

The objective is to make T20 a batters’ game and make it more engaging for TV audiences.

Cricket betting markets are well suited to Twenty20 matches and tournaments, which are adapted specifically for the short format.

Malaysian Cricket Tournaments/Leagues

Malaysia cricket also has plenty of its own homegrown leagues and tournaments. They follow various formats, and top cricket tournament fixtures include some of the following: 

• ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
• 7th Malaysian Premier League
• Malaysian Open T20 Championship
• Various local inter-state competitions

Some of the venues where you can go and watch these live cricket matches are: 

• Kinrara Academy Oval, Kuala Lumpur
• Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur
• Selangor Turf Club
• Royal Selangor Club
• UKM-YSD Cricket Oval, Bangi

Through these many tournaments, the Malaysian Cricket Association continues to promote and develop cricket in Malaysia.

Advanced Cricket Betting Strategies

If you’re just starting out there are various factors to know so that you can learn the game and rules. We want to share our top online cricket betting tips to help you before betting and learning some of the basics of cricket. 

In-Play Betting

When a match starts, you can enjoy the excitement of live cricket betting. It is perfect for Test Matches that will last several days. This means you will only place your bets once the match has begun, and you’ll find markets similar to pre-match, including a few extras, when the game is in play. 

One of the benefits of betting on in-play cricket is that you can watch the game while assessing various situations. You might find a particular player is performing better than expected, and you can bet on them with higher cricket betting odds. While watching the match unfold will offer more insight into the team and players and their form. 

The only factor to consider is when betting on live cricket is that if a player suddenly gets bowled out, the odds will freeze, and you may miss the chance to place your wager. Therefore, you have to be quick to get your stake on. 

Which cricket team to bet on?

Many bettors will bet from their hearts and always place bets on the same team. However, if your team starts performing poorly and is on a losing streak, you won’t have any winning wagers. Therefore, to hit winning bets, use the strategies we have included in our guide, do your research, and choose teams based on performance and winning chances.

Finding the best cricket betting odds

There are online tools to compare bookmakers to see where you can get the best odds. Oddschecker is one such site where it doesn’t just compare the match-winner markets but all the others, too. The higher the odds, the higher your payouts.

Data for Betting

Another excellent way to give yourself a betting edge is to research the team’s performance using statistical data. You can look online for predictive cricket betting tools and stats. It gives you valuable insights into players’ current and past performances. You can also review past matchups and pitch conditions. When researching players, look at their batting averages and bowling strike rates over their last few matches. 

Online Cricket Betting Tips for Malaysian Fans

Choosing the right cricket betting site can significantly impact your overall experience. Here are some of the top features to look for in cricket betting platforms in India:

• Betting Markets: You will want to take a look at the number of betting markets and if they offer pre-match and live betting odds. There should also be a decent mix of player and team markets to bet on. 
• Competitive Odds: The higher the cricket betting odds, the higher the profits. Look for betting platforms that are known for higher odds, particularly in popular leagues and tournaments. 
• Security: You will want to know you’re safe when betting; therefore, the gambling platform should operate with a gambling licence by Curacao or MGA. The other essential security feature should be detailed in the bookmaker’s privacy policy, as well as how they keep the data their Malaysian players share safely. Standard methods include SSL encryption software. 
• Payment Methods: You will want to pay in Ringgit if you can, so check if this is available at your chosen site. You’ll also want to see what payment methods there are for Malaysian players and the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits. 
• Bonuses: Many Malaysian betting sites offer cricket welcome bonuses, free bets, and other offers for cricket bettors. See what’s available to you and read each one’s T&C to see if the wagering and other conditions attached are achievable. 

Legal considerations and responsible gaming tips in Malaysia

There are 3 gambling laws in Malaysia: 

• Betting Act 1953
• Common Gaming Houses Act 1953
• Shariah Law

Shariah Law prevents Muslims from any type of gambling. The Betting Act only allows licensed operators. Therefore, online sports betting and gambling remain a grey area in Malaysia. While the Malaysian Government is in talks on changing the regulations, no decisions or changes have been made yet. 

Therefore, to bet on online cricket, you can use an international sportsbook like Nextbet, which offers secure cricket betting and bonuses to boost your budget. 

Responsible Gaming Tips

Staying responsible and keeping cricket betting as a form of healthy entertainment is essential to long-term success. There are a few factors you can use to ensure it is as follows:

• Setting the budget: Always set your budget to stay within your means and never overspend.
• Take Breaks: By not taking regular breaks can cause players to make impulsive decisions. 
• Know when to stop: Have limits for your cricket betting session, and if you hit a loss limit, stop till you have spare funds for cricket betting. Never chase losses. 
• Keep up to date: Learn about responsible gambling and incorporate it into your game plan.

Getting Started Betting on Cricket in Malaysia

The following 4 steps will help you get started betting on cricket:

1. Choose a reputable betting site. The site should offer competitive odds and choose one with a few payment options that accept Ringgit. 
2. Register and fund your betting account.  Take a few minutes to complete the account registration and make your first deposit using one of the available payment options. 
3. Place your bet on your chosen event and market. Once you’ve researched and are ready to wager, click on the cricket tournament and market. Input the amount you want to wager and submit the bet. 
4. Get the results and withdraw. You can watch the events live to see if you’re a winner. If not, you can also find the results by logging into your betting account to see if you had a successful bet. If you have a winning stake, you can withdraw your cricket winnings. 

Factors to Consider in Live Cricket Betting

If you’re considering betting in play, then there are some strategies you can incorporate into your gameplay in our live online cricket betting tips.

Real-time match analysis

Watching the cricket as it unfolds lets you see firsthand how the team and players are performing. The batting average and how well the bowlers are performing are the ones to keep an eye on. You should also keep an eye on the team dynamics and match performance. : 

Weather and Pitch Conditions

The weather and pitch conditions can significantly impact a match’s dynamics, and they should be closely monitored:

• Type of Pitch: The different pitch types suit different playing styles. For example, dry pitches benefit spinners, and a greener pitch will help the fast bowlers. By understanding these dynamics will change the way wickets get taken or runs are scored. 
• Weather Impact: Cloudy conditions may enhance swing bowling, decreasing scoring opportunities for batsmen. Blue clear skies also favour the batters.  If there’s some rain forecast, it will affect the number of runs and outcomes.  
• Humidity and Temperature: High humidity levels can benefit swing bowlers, while high temperatures can lead to pitch deterioration, impacting the batting conditions.

Player Form and Team Performance

These are the most essential factors to consider when betting on live cricket. The ones that can impact the game include the following:

• Recent performance: Always research the players on both teams. If a player is always hitting runs or bowling out, they can help increase the team’s score. 
• Injuries: Unfortunately, players may face injuries due to the game or via other means. It means a top player may get removed from the match, which can alter the game and their team’s final outcome. 
• Head-to-head stats: Always check how the 2 teams have performed in the past. It will provide valuable insights into how they could perform against each other in the current match. 

Conclusion to Cricket Betting Guide

Malaysian bettors have long been passionate about cricket and find cricket betting an exciting way to be involved in the game. Following the tips and strategies in this guide will prepare you to wager on cricket successfully. Remember to bet responsibly and stay updated with teams, performances, and the best betting odds to increase your chances of success. 

Are you ready to get cricket betting? We highly recommend Nextbet as our number-one online sportsbook for Malaysian bettors. You can even claim generous welcome offers and ongoing promotions to keep the bank boosted and enhance the experience. Click here to get started at Nextbet now.