How Does the Match Format Change Your Fantasy Strategy?
Let’s be honest: in fantasy cricket, it’s tempting to use a copy-paste strategy. You choose your favorite stars for every game and then wonder why a team that excels in a T20 league fails dismally at Test match cricket.
The answer is straightforward: the optimal way to achieve success on a regular basis is to realize that each format of cricket — T20, One Day International (ODI), and Test match cricket — has its own cadence and requires a different game plan to be successful.
This guide will show you how to shift your approach for each format. With a sharp tool like AllCric giving you expert analysis and live data, you’ll have the edge you need to build better teams for every match.
The High-Octane Thrill: T20 Fantasy Cricket Tips
T20 is pure adrenaline. It’s a sprint, and you need players who deliver big results, fast. This isn’t the place for steady run-builders. High strike rates and a knack for taking wickets are what matter most.
Player Selection Strategy:
- Explosive Batsmen: Load up on top-order batsmen known for power-hitting. Players who attack the power play and score quickly are gold. Those extra points for boundaries and strike rates add up fast.
- Death-Over Bowlers: Target bowlers who specialize in the final overs. They’re your primary wicket-takers when batsmen are swinging for the fences, and that means a flood of fantasy points for you.
- Do-It-All All-Rounders: In a short game, all-rounders who contribute with both bat and ball are your most reliable point-scorers. They give you two chances to make an impact.
Pro-Tip: Before you lock in your team, use the AllCric app and guides to check player strike rates and death-bowling stats. It allows you to ultimately find out which players are capable of delivering a big T20 performance.
ODIs allow for different flexibility, albeit a combination of T20’s aggression and the sustainability of Test cricket. The 50 overs allow players to build an innings or a bowling stint without time pressures.
Player Selection Strategy:
- Consistent Top-Order Batsmen: Anchor your team with dependable top-order bats (in the top 3-4) who can build a long inning. A solid 80-100 runs is far more valuable here than a quickfire 30.
- Middle-Over Partnership Breakers: Your bowlers need to take wickets in the middle overs (11-40). There is nothing like catching or bowling that breaks a stand and halts momentum.
- Finishing All Rounders: Lower and middle-order players who are capable of batting but giving their full 10 overs are immensely valuable.
In ODIs, your captain and vice-captain choices are huge, earning 2x and 1.5x points. An in-form all-rounder or a top-order batsman is usually your best bet. For more on this, check out our guide on how to choose the best captain and vice-captain in fantasy cricket.
The Strategic Grind: Best Strategy for Test Fantasy
Welcome to the marathon. Test cricket is about skill, patience, and tactics over 5 days. Fantasy contests here often reward players who can perform consistently session after session.
Player Selection Strategy:
- Technically Sound Batsmen: Build your batting lineup around top-order players with solid defensive techniques. Guys who can occupy the crease for hours and score centuries are the superstars of Test fantasy.
- Workhorse Bowlers: Pick the main pacers and spinners who will bowl a ton of overs. The greater the amount of bowling, the greater the potential for taking wickets, which would seem pretty self-explanatory by now. Five wickets can realistically secure you a match all on their own.
- Wicket-Keepers: A keeper who is sound behind the stumps and able to contribute runs down the order is beneficial.
If you’re curious about the official rules, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is the place to go.
Your Format-Wise Fantasy Guide at a Glance
|
Strategy |
T20 |
ODI |
Test Cricket |
|
Batsmen |
Power-hitters with high strike rates. |
Consistent top-order run-scorers. |
Technically sound, patient players. |
|
Bowlers |
Death-over and powerplay specialists. |
Middle-over wicket-takers. |
Workhorse bowlers who bowl long spells. |
|
All-Rounders |
High-impact players who bat and bowl. |
Balanced players who contribute in both innings. |
Batting all-rounders or specialist bowlers. |
|
Captaincy |
An Explosive opener or a death bowler. |
A top-order batsman or a key all-rounder can be beneficial. |
A reliable batsman or the lead spinner/pacer. |
Don’t Just Play, Play Smarter with AllCric
Understanding how to change your approach across formats is what makes the difference between good and great fantasy players. No more guessing, now you can be smart and informed.
Are you ready to gain an edge?
You can download the AllCric app today and get detailed player stats, format-specific advice, and live match data to create smarter-based teams for T20, ODIs, and Tests. It’s time to turn what you know about cricket into real wins.
The post Adapt Your Fantasy Strategy by Match Format: T20, ODI & Test Guide first appeared on AllCric.
