What is Handicap in Cricket Betting? Complete Guide to Runs and Wickets

Runs Handicap (Batting First)

A runs handicap applies when the team you back bats first. The bookmaker subtracts the handicap figure from that team’s final total. The bet wins only if the adjusted score still stays above the opponent’s real total. For example, if a team carries a –18.5 runs handicap, they must win by at least 19 runs. Any margin smaller than that settles the bet as a loss, even if the team wins the match itself. The idea is to judge how strong a first-innings total the side can set and how much pressure they can put on the chase.

Wickets Handicap (Chasing)

A wicket's handicap applies when the team you back bats second. The bookmaker gives a target expressed through wickets remaining. A team with a –3.5 wickets handicap must win while keeping at least 4 wickets in hand. If they scrape home with only one or two wickets left, the bet loses, even though the real match result is a win. A punter must judge the depth of the batting order and the likelihood of a controlled chase rather than a tense finish.

The Flip-Flop Rule

Handicap lines often appear in a dual form, such as “Team A –20.5 runs OR –3.5 wickets”. This line adjusts itself based on who bats first. Below is a short table that shows how the handicap shifts once the toss decides the order of innings:

The flip-flop structure keeps the handicap relevant under any match script, so the core question stays the same: can the favourite win with enough control, or can the underdog resist beyond the line?

The Minus (-) Handicap: Backing the Favorite

A minus sign always sits next to the stronger side. It signals a virtual deficit. Backing the favourite with a –line means you expect them to win by a margin greater than the handicap. If the handicap is –22.5 runs, the favourite must win by at least 23 runs. If it is –3.5 wickets, they must finish the chase with at least 4 wickets in hand. A small victory on the field can still mean a losing bet on the handicap line.

The Plus (+) Handicap: Backing the Underdog

A plus sign marks the underdog and gives a virtual advantage before the match even starts. A bet on a team with +18.5 runs can win even if the side loses the real match, as long as they stay within that margin. It rewards teams that compete strongly without needing to pull off an upset. Many punters use the plus handicap when they expect a close contest or when conditions may help the weaker side.

The Half Point Handicap (0.5)

Bookmakers often add a decimal, such as +5.5 or –10.5, to avoid a push. A push is a situation where the real margin matches the handicap exactly, which forces the bookmaker to return the stake. Cricket scores never land on half-runs or half-wickets, so adding 0.5 ensures every bet ends with a clear win or loss. This keeps the market cleaner and prevents disputes about tied outcomes.

Match Handicap

A match handicap applies to one game, whether it is a T20, ODI, or Test. The bookmaker assigns a virtual lead or deficit before the first ball. In white-ball cricket, the margins stay moderate, often around 6–30 runs or 1.5–4.5 wickets. Test match handicap lines can be far bigger because the gap between teams may reach hundreds of runs or even an innings. A favourite might be listed at –150.5 runs, while the weaker side receives +150.5. The idea stays the same: the favourite must win by enough to clear the line, while the underdog earns protection through the extra runs.

Series Handicap

A series handicap stretches across multiple matches. The line might look like Australia –1.5 or England +1.5 in a five-match Ashes series. A team priced at –1.5 must win the series by at least two matches. A team at +1.5 can lose the series but still win the handicap bet if they stay close across the tour. Such markets reward a broader reading of form, squad depth, and conditions across several venues.

Asian Handicap in Cricket

Asian handicap entered cricket from football but adapted to the sport’s scoring style. It usually removes the chance of a drawn outcome in the bet. When the handicap uses whole numbers, such as –20 or +40, a push becomes possible and the stake returns. When the bookmaker sets half-lines like –15.5, the confusion disappears, and the bet always settles outright. The structure aims to balance both sides and create a more competitive market, especially in formats where large scoring swings are common.

Scenario 1: T20 Match (Run Chase)

Match Setup:

• Team A is chasing a target of 170. The bookmaker's line states:
• Team A –3.5 wickets or Team B +3.5 wickets.
• Your Bet: Team A –3.5 wickets.
• Real Outcome: Team A reaches 170 with a score of 170/7.

Handicap Requirement:

A bet on Team A –3.5 wickets needs the team to win with at least 4 wickets in hand.

Comparison:

• Team A lost 7 wickets.
• Team A lost 7 wickets, meaning they had only 3 wickets in hand.
• The handicap (-3.5) required a winning margin of at least 4 wickets.

The example shows that wicket handicaps focus on how convincing the win was, not only on who won the match.

Scenario 2: ODI Match (Setting a Target)

Match Setup:

• Team C bats first and posts 285 runs. The bookmaker line is:
• Team C –20.5 runs or Team D +20.5 runs.
• Your Bet: Team C –20.5 runs.
• Real Outcome: Team D is bowled out for 250 runs. Team C wins by 35 runs.

Handicap Calculation:

• Adjusted score for Team C:
• 285 minus 20.5 gives 264.5.
• Now compare 264.5 with Team D’s real total of 250.
• The adjusted score remains higher.

Bet Result: Win, because Team C covered the handicap.

The ODI example shows that once the handicap is subtracted from the favourite’s score, the adjusted number still needs to stay ahead of the opponent for the bet to succeed.

Analyzing Team Strength and Form

Teams that dominate regularly are more likely to clear a minus handicap, while sides that win narrow matches rarely do so. Checking past margins helps you see if a favourite genuinely pulls ahead or only survives close finishes.

The Impact of Pitch Conditions

Dry pitches with true bounce often lead to bigger gaps in totals, so minus handicaps fit the pattern. Slow or green surfaces keep scores tight, which strengthens the case for a plus handicap on the underdog.

In-Play Opportunities

Live lines shift sharply when a favourite loses early wickets or an underdog starts well. Quick reaction during these swings can uncover better numbers than those available before the match.