What Does “1st Innings Over 4” Mean in Cricket Sports Betting?
In cricket betting, “1st Innings Over 4” refers to betting on what happens during the 4th over of the first innings of a cricket match.
The first innings is when the first team bats after the toss.
The 4th over means the set of 6 legal deliveries (balls) bowled by one bowler between the 3.1 to 4.0 overs mark.
Bettors can place wagers on different outcomes within this over — such as runs scored, wickets taken, boundaries hit, or extras conceded.
Common “1st Innings Over 4” Betting Markets
Here are the most popular betting options for 1st innings over 4:
- Runs in Over 4 (Over/Under)
- Predict whether the total runs in the 4th over will be over or under a bookmaker’s line (e.g. Over 5.5 runs or Under 5.5 runs).
- Boundary in Over 4 (Yes/No)
- Bet on whether a four or six will be hit in that over.
- Wicket in Over 4 (Yes/No)
- Predict if a wicket (bowled, caught, LBW, etc.) will fall in this over.
- Method of Dismissal in Over 4
- Bet on how the wicket will fall (caught, bowled, LBW, run out, etc.).
- Total Runs Odd/Even
- Predict if the total runs scored in the over will be odd or even.
Example: 1st Innings Over 4 in Action
Let’s use a real team example — India vs Australia (ODI Match).
- Match situation: India batting first.
- Over 4 bowler: Mitchell Starc (Australia).
- Current score: India 15/0 after 3 overs.
Possible Bets:
- Over 4 – Over 5.5 Runs @ 1.80
- If India scores 6 or more runs (like 1, 4, 1, 0, 0, 0 = 6), you win.
- If India scores 5 or fewer runs, you lose.
- Boundary in Over 4 – Yes @ 1.60
- If Rohit Sharma hits a four or six, you win the bet.
- Wicket in Over 4 – Yes @ 3.00
- If Starc dismisses a batter in this over, your bet wins.
Factors to Consider Before Betting
- Pitch Conditions
- If the pitch is flat and favoring batters, expect more runs in early overs.
- On a swinging pitch, bowlers can dominate the 4th over.
- Bowler Type
- Fast bowlers in powerplay overs have higher wicket chances.
- Spinners usually bowl later, less likely in over 4.
- Batting Style
- Aggressive openers (e.g., Rohit Sharma, Travis Head) tend to attack in early overs.
- Match Format
- T20: More aggressive play → higher chance of 4s/6s.
- ODI/Test: Conservative early overs → fewer runs.
Betting Tips for “1st Innings Over 4”
- Watch the first three overs before betting live — check if batters are timing well.
- Avoid overconfidence early in Tests or ODIs — bowlers often control early overs.
- T20 Tip: Favor Over 5.5 runs if power-hitters are at the crease.
- Use Live Betting Wisely – Odds fluctuate fast; place bets after the first ball if you sense aggression.
- Check Team Stats – Some teams (like England or India) often start strong in Powerplays.
Example Bet Summary
| Market | Bet Type | Prediction | Odds | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings Over 4 Runs | Over/Under 5.5 | Over | 1.80 | Won (6 runs scored) |
| Boundary in Over 4 | Yes/No | Yes | 1.60 | Won (1 Four hit) |
| Wicket in Over 4 | Yes/No | No | 1.45 | Won (No wicket) |
Final Thoughts
The “1st Innings Over 4” bet is all about timing, pitch reading, and understanding early-game dynamics. It’s a short-term, exciting market ideal for live betting fans who follow the match ball-by-ball.
Pro Tip: Always analyze the first few overs and team approach before betting — this is key to predicting the 4th over outcome correctly.