To play fantasy cricket games for free, you can download the app from the Play Store free of cost. Installing the app is half the job done. The task then is to strategize in such a way that your fantasy XI beats all the others in big fantasy cricket contests and leagues. Whatever you do, always remember that practice makes perfect. Howzat fantasy cricket app offers unlimited contests for you to fine-tune your strategy. But as you take part in these games, here are 10 smart tips that should stand you in good stead.
1. The format matters
A great player in one format may not be that great in another. A high-impact player in T20s may struggle in the 50-over game, while a master of the 50-over version could struggle to score at the pace required in T20s. This applies to some of the sport’s biggest names. So select players best suited to the game format.
2. The sky gives hints
Good team leaders, both in real-life cricket and its fantasy version, know just how much the weather can influence a game of cricket. Dry and hot weather brings the spinners into play, whereas overcast and wet conditions are pace-friendly. Pick your team based on the weather conditions. Keep an eye out for the toss too. Review your team after the playing XI is announced so that you are not a player short because someone you selected for your fantasy team wasn’t selected in the playing XI.
3. Consider pitch conditions
Most venues have a certain character. You can check historical records on cricket news sites and even the blog page of apps like Howzat to see how the pitch tends to behave. A dry, grass-less pitch usually means plenty of runs and some turn for the spinners, though there can also be a bit of reverse swing for the pace bowlers. A green-tinged surface means more seam movement and challenging batting conditions. So pick your fantasy XI accordingly.
4. Prioritize top-order batters
In both T20s and 50-over cricket, the top 4 batters tend to face a lot more bowling. The key to scoring a lot of points is to pick openers who can bat through most of the innings while scoring fast. The No. 3 and No. 4 batters usually follow the same template. The best provide both consistency and fast scoring. They’re the spine of your team.
5. Pick wicket-taking bowlers
In real-life cricket, a low economy rate is prized. But in fantasy cricket on Howzat, you get far more points for wickets taken than you do for keeping things tight. If you are faced with a choice between one bowler who might take 3-40 and another one who bowls dry for figures of 0-20, pick the wicket-taker every time. Experienced cricketers will tell you anyway that nothing slows down the scoring like taking wickets.
6. Bring balance with all-rounders
You can only have three all-rounders at the most, so choose wisely. These are potentially the most important players in your squad. In case they’re unable to make an impact with the bat, they might deliver a telling spell with the ball. The very best, like Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard, often do both in the same game.
7. Choose fast-scoring wicketkeepers
A solid presence behind the stumps will invariably provide some points with catches and stumpings. But the best modern-day keepers offer so much more than a safe pair of gloves. Some like Jos Buttler and Quinton de Kock bat in the top order and can take the game away with their thrilling stroke play. They’re also all-rounders in all but name.
8. Pick your captain and vice captain wisely
The captain scores you twice as many points as other players for the same performance, while the deputy gets you 1.5X points. Unlike actual cricket where the captain rarely changes, fantasy cricket gives you plenty of options. Choose those who are in fine form and performing consistently rather than just picking out the big names. Some players have a special affinity for certain venues – remember Sachin Tendulkar in Chennai? So keep that in mind before you choose your captain and vice-captain.
9. Keep form in mind
It’s very important that you keep track of how players have performed in recent times. The greatest of players can go through a lean patch, while relatively unknown names can enjoy an unbelievably good season. Rather than packing your team with the usual suspects, go through the form guides and select those who are actually playing their best cricket at the time.
10. X-factors
The reality is that most fantasy teams will have 2, 3, or 4 big names in common. To beat your competition, you need to be clued in about those players who others may not select until it’s too late. Look for the emerging players enjoying a purple patch. Few would have picked Ruturaj Gaikwad or Harshal Patel before the Indian T20 League began in 2021, yet they finished top of the batting and bowling charts, respectively. Identify these X-factors early enough and you’ll be soaring to the top of the leagues.
Final verdict
Once you know your way around the game, the next step is to challenge other players in the big leagues. You can also play fantasy cricket games for real money on the Howzat cash app, which offers incredible cash prizes. It also has a unique feature like Beat the Legend, where you can take on World-Cup winners like Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Irfan Pathan and beat their teams to win massive cash prizes. Download the cash app from Howzat’s official website, implement the strategies that have worked best for you, and watch the rewards pile up. It will transform the way you follow and watch cricket forever. Also, Read: Four Reasons Why Gamers Make Great Investors
