In Pakistan, sports betting, especially on cricket, has long gone beyond basic outcomes. More and more players are turning their attention to niche markets — highly specialised events within a match that can be used to gain a mathematical advantage. These markets are not always available from all operators, as statistics from https://bookiespk.com/ show. But it is precisely in these markets that opportunities for value bets most often arise.
What distinguishes niche markets from standard ones? First of all, the level of detail. Instead of the usual bet on a team’s victory, you choose, for example, the method of dismissal of a specific batsman, the result of a specific over, the number of sixes in Powerplay or even the best bowler of the second innings. For many, such markets seem complex or secondary, but those who know how to work with data and react quickly to changes often find undervalued odds here.
Why Niche Markets are Relevant in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country with a multi-million fan base for cricket, where the PSL, international matches and even local tournaments attract large audiences. Cricket accounts for up to 80-90% of the total betting volume in Pakistan. However, most bets are placed on standard markets, such as “Team Win” or “Total Points”.
This behaviour creates a unique situation: general markets become overheated (odds are balanced, information is widely known, operator margins are minimal). Niche markets, on the other hand, remain on the periphery of attention. It is there that situations most often arise when the operator underestimates the probability of an event, especially in live betting or when unexpected changes occur, such as a player substitution or an injury to a team leader.
In addition, in Pakistan, most bets are placed via mobile devices. Players are used to acting quickly, especially during matches. Operators such as 1Win, MegaPari and Pari Match offer a wide selection of live markets, including niche ones, which makes such bets particularly convenient for users on the move.
The Main Types of Niche Markets: From Prop Bets to Inning Totals
Below, we have provided the most popular niche markets for betting in Pakistan. We will not just list them, but analyse how they work and why they are potentially profitable.
Prop Bets (Special Events)
Prop bets are bets on events not directly related to the outcome of the match. These markets include: the method of dismissal of a batsman (caught, bowled, LBW, etc.), the number of dismissals of a certain type, the result of a specific over, the first substitution in the line-up, and even the winner of a coin toss.
For example, in PSL matches, you can find a “Method of dismissal” market for key players. If you know that a particular batsman tends to make mistakes against spin bowlers and spin is expected on the field, then a bet on the “Bowled” dismissal method may be justified. At the same time, the odds for such events often remain high because the majority of players ignore them and the operator has no reason to adjust them significantly.
Bets on the player who will score the most points are also popular in online betting. Unlike MVP or match winner, here you are working with the form of a specific player, their performance at this stadium, and their history against specific bowlers. This is an analytically rich market where attentiveness gives you an advantage.
Markets by Match Segments (Over, Inning, Powerplay)
Another popular segment is betting on a specific part of the game. For example:
- How many points will the team score in the first 6 overs (Powerplay);
- Who will win the first innings;
- How many sixes will there be in the last 5 overs;
- Which player will make the most dismissals in the second innings.
Such markets are especially relevant in the T20 format, where everything is decided in a matter of minutes. In the Pakistani PSL, teams often focus on aggressive play in the first overs. This allows for more accurate predictions of the dynamics — for example, if the starting line-up and weather conditions are known, it is possible to estimate whether there will be an initial burst or a cautious start.
It is important to note that these markets are often less balanced than traditional ones. They are less prone to mass betting, which means that odds can retain their value for a long time.
Long-Term and Special Tournament Bets
Outrights markets usually offer predictions for the entire tournament: who will win the league, who will be the best bowler or batsman, who will make it to the playoffs. At the beginning of the season, such bets often have high odds on so-called underdog teams, especially if they have updated their roster or strengthened it with promising players.
In Pakistan, these markets are gaining popularity, especially among players who actively follow the PSL. For example, in the 2024 season, Multan Sultans were not considered favourites, but their roster and sparring results showed potential. Those who bet on them in advance received odds of around 9.00 — much higher than in the final.
How to Effectively Use Niche Markets: A Proven Approach
Niche markets require more involvement than regular ones. It is not enough to simply look at who the favourite is. To make money, you need to use a comprehensive approach:
- Collect data before the match: line-ups, player form, statistics for a specific stadium, weather conditions;
- Track live dynamics: many favourable odds appear after changes in the match, but before the operator has had time to update the line;
- Compare offers from different operators: sometimes one bookmaker offers a market with a high margin, while another offers more transparent conditions;
- Focus on specific series or tournaments: an in-depth understanding of a single format (e.g. PSL or international T20) allows you to quickly identify weaknesses in the line.
It is also important to note that niche markets are not the place for large bets. Their purpose is to complement your strategy and ensure long-term profits. Betting your entire bankroll on a knock-out method is not the best idea. However, using these bets as part of an online betting system is a sensible approach.
