One Day Internationals (ODIs) strike the perfect balance between endurance and excitement—offering punters strategic depth and fast-paced action.
Whether you’re a casual bettor or a seasoned cricket fan, our comprehensive ODI betting guide covers everything from popular markets and expert tips to tournament insights and data-driven strategies.
Let’s dive into the world of ODI betting and help you make informed wagers that count.
1. What Is ODI Cricket?
One Day Internationals (ODIs) are limited-overs cricket matches where each team bats for a maximum of 50 overs. Played over a single day, ODIs offer a balanced format that combines the endurance of Test cricket with the pace of T20s. Matches are often decided by the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method if interrupted by rain, and a minimum of 20 overs per side must be bowled for results to stand.
2. Why Bet on ODIs?
ODI cricket is a bettor’s favorite due to its balance and predictability. Here’s why:
- Pace & Strategy: The 50-over format allows for tactical depth while still producing consistent results.
- High-profile Events: Tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Champions Trophy draw massive global attention.
- Year-round Action: Regular bilateral series provide consistent betting opportunities throughout the year.
3. Key Markets for ODI Betting
- Match Winner / Moneyline – Simple and popular: bet on the team you believe will win.
- Top Batsman / Top Bowler – Bet on who will score the most runs or take the most wickets.
- Total Runs Markets – Over/under bets for team innings, match totals, or individual players.
- Player Props – Bets like “Player to score 50+”, “Method of first wicket”, or “Number of sixes”.
- Toss Winner / First Innings Lead – Great for early momentum bettors.
- Handicap Bets – Used to balance mismatches in team quality.
4. Key Factors to Consider
Venue & Pitch Conditions
Some grounds favor batting (e.g., Chinnaswamy Stadium), others bowling (e.g., Lord’s on a cloudy day). Look at historical scores at the venue.
Weather & Interruptions
Rain-affected matches use the DLS method, which can drastically alter match dynamics and totals. Always check the forecast.
Another handy tip is to learn about how to bet on the completed match market.
Toss Impact
Winning the toss can offer a strategic edge—especially in day-night games where dew can impact the second innings.
Team & Player Form
Track players’ recent averages, strike rates, and performance trends. Use stats for consistency—especially in top batsman/bowler markets.
5. Strategies for ODI Betting
- Value Betting: Look for odds that don’t reflect actual probability—especially in less popular markets.
- In-Play Betting: Capitalize on momentum swings during the match. Markets like “Next Wicket” or “Over Runs” are dynamic and profitable.
- Venue-Based Trends: Research average scores, boundary counts, and bowler performance at each ground.
- Specialist Focus: Concentrate on one or two markets (like “Top Bowler”) and learn the patterns.
6. Common ODI Betting Rules
- Official Results: All bets are settled based on ICC-recognized outcomes.
- Minimum Overs: Many markets require a minimum number of overs to be bowled (usually 20) for bets to stand.
- DLS Method: If applied, most bets are still valid unless stated otherwise. Always read the bookmaker’s rules.
7. Best ODI Tournaments for Betting
| Tournament | Format | Betting Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| ICC ODI World Cup | 50 overs, international | Match winners, outrights, top run-scorer, top wicket-taker |
| Champions Trophy | Elite 8-team format | Short format, high stakes = volatility |
| Bilateral ODI Series | 3-5 match series | Great for trend spotting and consistent wagering |
8. Best Bookies for ODI Betting
Some top bookmakers for ODI betting include:
- bet365 – Excellent for in-play and diverse prop markets.
- Spreadex – Strong for spread and margin-based bets.
- Betway / 888sport – Good promotions and live streaming features.
- Parimatch / 10CRIC – India-specific offers and local focus.
9. Responsible Betting Tips
- Set limits – Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Avoid chasing – Don’t double down after a loss.
- Stay objective – Use data, not emotion or team bias.
- Track results – Keep records of bets to refine your strategy.
Final Thoughts
ODI cricket offers the perfect blend of pace and predictability, making it ideal for both casual and experienced punters. Use this guide to sharpen your strategy, understand the key markets, and find value in every match.
Next Steps:
- Start small with match winners and player props.
- Study team and player stats before placing bets.
- Experiment with in-play markets once you’re comfortable.
⚠️ Responsible Gambling
Visit our cricket betting page for more information about cricket wagering, while for more match predictions and top bets, bookmark our cricket betting tips page
Always gamble responsibly. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, seek help from organizations such as BeGambleAware.
