T20 Blast 2022: County Preview, Odds and Betting Tips
This guide expands on the county T20 Blast content above with additional betting context, player focus and match strategies from a UK sports betting publisher perspective.
Content is for readers aged 18+. Please gamble responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose.
Essential context for T20 Blast betting and viewers
The Blast is fast-paced and often swings quickly, so price movement and team sheets matter more than in longer formats.
Use comparisons and trusted markets to make informed choices rather than chasing uncertain returns.
It’s white ball time, the skillsets are quite different, some of the players are different but one thing that will be no different is the level of excitement involved.
The stars
The T20 Blast involves some of the world’s greatest exponents of white ball cricket. These include:
Kieron Pollard (Surrey) – The West Indian all-rounder who has made a record 592 appearances in T20 competitions worldwide.
Sunil Narine (Surrey) – Another West Indian superstar. The ‘mystery spinner’ has 438 wickets in 405 games.
Chris Lynn (Northants) – Powerhouse opening batter, who hits the ball a long way and very often. The Australian has a staggering record of 341 sixes in just 220 short-form games.
Tim David (Lancashire) – A quickfire batter whose scoring strike-rates in T20 cricket is an incredible 163.07.
Rashid Khan (Sussex) – Almost single-handedly knocked out Yorkshire at Durham in last year’s quarter-final. The Afghanistan spinner is a world star who underlined that with a Player of the Match award in the IPL play-offs and already has more than 450 wickets in T20 cricket, aged just 23.
Carlos Brathwaite (Warwickshire) – “Remember the name”… you may recall Ian Bishop’s famous commentary when Brathwaite hammered Ben Stokes for four successive sixes to win the 2016 T20 World Cup final against England. Say no more. This man is box office.
Dwayne Bravo (Worcestershire) – Massively experienced former West Indies all-rounder, who leads the way as a wicket-taker in T20 cricket with a sensational 587.
In addition to these players, who are available throughout the tournament, some other major stars of T20 cricket are available for part of the Blast. These include former England Test captain Joe Root (Yorkshire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), who has been wowing audiences in the Indian Premier League. Others include Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan.
The teams
The teams are the same 18 counties who play in the county championship and RL50 competitions. The only changes are the Warwickshire play as the Birmingham Bears in white ball cricket, which includes the T20 Blast.
Also, many counties adopt a ‘nickname’ for the Blast, e.g. the current champions are the Kent Spitfires.
The groups
North Group (2021 finishing position shown in brackets)
Derbyshire Falcons (8th in group)
Durham (7th in group)
Lancashire Lightning (quarter-finals)
Leicestershire Foxes (6th in group)
Northamptonshire Steelbacks (9th in group)
Notts Outlaws (quarter-finals)
Birmingham Bears (quarter-finals)
Worcestershire Rapids (5th in group)
Yorkshire Vikings (quarter-finals)
South Group (2021 finishing position shown in brackets)
Essex Eagles (7th in group)
Glamorgan (9th in group)
Gloucestershire (6th in group)
Hampshire Hawks (semi-final)
Kent Spitfires (winners)
Middlesex (8th in group)
Somerset (runners-up)
Surrey (5th in group)
Sussex Sharks (semi-final)
Who will win it?
Last year’s winners Kent Spitfires are, unusually, quite cold in the market for a repeat success. They’re 10/1 chances with bet365.
Nottinghamshire are general favourites for the competition and are usually a safe bet to win a good percentage of their games. They have been regulars at finals day over the years and have once again assembled a hugely competitive squad. They’re as short as 6/1 with William Hill but if you fancy them then Betfair’s 37/5 is more tasty.
It’s no surprise that Surrey, who probably have the strongest all-round red and white ball squads on paper for 2022, are up there towards the head of the market. They are generally priced at 8/1, while Lancashire and Somerset are a best-priced 9s with Coral.
Hampshire can’t be ruled out and look like representing some value at a best-priced 14/1 with Betfred.
Like last year, the Southern Group looks stronger across the board but, despite never having won it before, Yorkshire look a very strong team this time. They’ve had a well documented change of coaching staff during the winter.
With Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jordan Thompson, Adil Rashid, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Dawid Malan, Finn Allen, Dom Bess and Tom Kohler-Cadmore able to play some or all of the tournament, they have tremendous firepower. Therefore, it looks worth taking the 12/1 on offer with several firms and I’d be backing them each-way, to half the odds to make the final. It could be their year…
It should be a great competition again and whoever you wager with, I wish you well.
Key white-ball players to watch during the Blast
Many of the stars listed above can change the course of a game in a single over, so monitor playing XI announcements closely before placing any bet.
Consider form in short formats and recent T20 leagues rather than purely relying on past red-ball statistics.
County squads, nicknames and group structures explained
The Blast uses the same 18 counties with a few white-ball nicknames, which can impact branding, home fixtures and local support for matches.
Group breaks matter: travel, local derbies and pitch types influence matchups and betting markets across North and South groups.
Market movers, favourites and how to compare odds
Odds fall and rise with team news, injuries and late arrivals from franchise cricket; use a comparison tool to spot best-value prices for the same market.
Shop around as each bookmaker may present slightly different prices and enhanced offers; compare responsibly before committing stakes.
Strategies for betting responsibly on T20 matches
Short-form cricket suits small, frequent stakes and clear staking plans to manage variance and protect your bankroll.
Set limits, use cash-out thoughtfully and avoid chasing losses; treat betting as entertainment rather than income.
Assessing in-form batters and power hitters’ value
Look at recent strike-rates, positions in the innings and record at specific grounds to judge whether a batter’s price is fair.
Power hitters are valuable for match-winning moments, but check how often they bat long enough to influence totals or top-scorer markets.
Spotting profitable bowling matchups and overs markets
Bowlers who take wickets in powerplay or death overs can be good value in wicket markets and over/under markets for team totals.
Consider pitch reports, bowling-friendly surfaces and match-ups between batter weaknesses and bowler styles when assessing prices.
Using promotions and comparisons without pressure
Bookmaker promotions can add value but read terms and wagering requirements carefully before accepting offers.
Use comparison lists to find firms with consistent odds and fair terms; never let promotions replace sensible stake management.
How to follow team news and late changes effectively
Follow county social channels and trusted reporting for XI announcements; international call-ups and injuries often arrive late in T20 tournaments.
Delaying a small bet until team sheets are released can save you from avoidable losses due to surprise absences.
In-play betting: when to engage and when to step away
In-play markets are fast and volatile; set predefined rules for when you will bet and when you will not to avoid impulse wagers.
Stick to markets you understand, such as match winner or next wicket, rather than complex exotic markets when momentum is shifting.
Using statistical indicators for match predictions
Simple indicators like recent team averages, boundary frequency and death-over economy can be more actionable than complicated models.
Combine stats with qualitative factors — weather, toss and home advantage — to form balanced selections rather than single-source bets.
Bankroll management and staking suggestions for Blast betting
Decide a session bankroll and use flat stakes or proportional staking rather than increasing bets after losses.
Keep records of bets to learn which markets and strategies are profitable over the tournament without overexposure.
How finals day form and momentum influence markets
Teams peaking toward finals day often attract shorter prices; watch for those with consistent knockout experience when comparing markets.
Momentum can be persuasive, but weigh it against squad depth and availability across several fixtures in short succession.
Where to find trustworthy bookies and fair markets
Use regulated UK bookmakers with clear terms and responsible gambling tools to protect yourself and your funds.
Compare odds, limits and customer service reputations to find operators that suit your preferences and risk tolerance.
How off-field factors can affect team performance
Travel schedules, squad rotation and international commitments can materially affect performances across the Blast season.
Consider these practical issues when forecasting long-term tournament bets such as outright or each-way selections.
Monitoring form across related T20 leagues for insight
Player performances in domestic leagues and the IPL often translate to short-form form indicators but adjust for bowlers and surfaces.
Use recent high-level T20 outings as context for individual selections rather than sole deciding factors for bets.
Comparing outright and short-term bets for tournament play
Outright markets carry larger variance and require longer-term stamina, whereas match and player markets allow quicker feedback on strategy.
Blend both approaches with a defined staking plan and avoid oversized exposure on long-shot outrights.
Promoting responsible gambling and safer-play practices
This content is for people aged 18+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help and make use of bookmaker self-exclusion tools.
Set deposit and time limits with operators, never chase losses, and treat betting as entertainment only.
You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly: BestOfBets free bets and bookmaker offers.
For those interested in casino bonuses, see our affiliated partners and their terms here: BestOfBets casino bonus offers.
Can I bet on the T20 Blast if I am eighteen?
Yes — betting is strictly for people aged 18 and over in the UK and operators will require ID for verification.
How do I compare odds across bookmakers safely?
Use an odds comparison service to view prices side-by-side, then check markets and terms before placing a bet.
What markets suit short-form cricket betting best?
Popular markets include match winner, top batter, top bowler and over/under totals, but choose markets you understand.
Are there in-play strategies suitable for Blast games?
Simple in-play strategies such as backing the in-form chase or next-wicket markets can work, but manage stakes tightly.
How do player absences affect team betting odds?
Late player withdrawals often shift odds significantly; check XI announcements and assess replacement impact before wagering.
Where can I find legal bookmaker offers in the UK?
Use regulated UK bookmakers listed on comparison pages and read promotion terms to ensure offers are valid and fair.
How to set limits and gamble responsibly on cricket
Decide a bankroll, set deposit and loss limits, and never bet amounts you cannot afford to lose; tools exist to help control play.
