If you’ve played fantasy cricket long enough, you’ve probably been in this situation: your captain scored a half-century, your bowler picked up two wickets, and your team looks solid—but somehow, you’re still behind in the rankings. Why? The answer often lies in bonus points. In the world of fantasy cricket, every single point matters. And while big performances usually grab the headlines, it’s the smaller, bonus point contributions that often push you up the leaderboard, or leave you scratching your head at the end of a match. Let’s dive into how bonus points work, why they’re often overlooked, and how understanding them can make a huge difference in your fantasy cricket game.
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What Are Bonus Points?
Bonus points are extra points awarded for specific actions that go beyond just scoring runs or taking wickets. These can include:
- Catches, stumpings, and run-outs
- Economy rate bonuses for bowlers
- Strike rate bonuses for batters
- Milestone achievements like 30+ runs, 50s, or 100s
- Maiden overs or dot ball bonuses
- 3-wicket or 5-wicket hauls
Different fantasy platforms have slightly different scoring systems, but the general idea is the same: players are rewarded for efficiency, impact, and contributions that influence the game beyond basic stats.
So even if your batter doesn’t score a huge fifty, a quickfire 30 with a high strike rate can still net decent points if bonus criteria are met. Similarly, a bowler who takes just one wicket but maintains an economy of under 6 in a T20 game can still score big thanks to bonus points.
Why Bonus Points Matter So Much
Most fantasy players focus on headline stats: runs scored and wickets taken. But bonus points are often the tiebreakers that separate thousands of users who picked the same top performers. In close contests, bonus points can push you from 100th place to the top 10.
Consider this: Two users pick the same bowler, and he takes two wickets. But one user also picked a wicketkeeper who made two stumpings and a batter who scored a 30+ run cameo with a 180+ strike rate. Those small additions can lead to a 20–30 point swing, enough to change your entire rank.
In competitive contests on your favorite fantasy cricket game, that margin could mean the difference between winning a reward or not.
Smart Strategies to Maximize Bonus Points
Now that we’ve established the value of bonus points, the next step is learning how to actively target them in your team selection. Here are a few human-tested strategies that work:
1. Pick Wicketkeepers Who Are Active Behind the Stumps
Wicketkeepers who are consistently involved in dismissals (catches, stumpings, run-outs) are fantasy gold. Even if they don’t score with the bat, they still contribute points, sometimes more than bowlers.
2. Choose Economical Bowlers in T20s
In shorter formats, economy rate bonuses are a major scoring factor. Even bowlers who don’t take wickets can earn solid points by keeping things tight. Look at players who bowl during the middle overs or on slow, low tracks.
3. Value Middle-Order Batters with High Strike Rates
Many fantasy players overlook batters who don’t bat high up the order. But if a No. 4 or No. 5 batter can score a quick 30–40 runs with a high strike rate, they often pick up both run and strike rate bonuses.
4. Look for Players Who Regularly Bowl Dot Balls or Maiden Overs
Some fantasy platforms reward dot balls, especially in T20 matches. Bowlers who start with tight overs like swing bowlers or spinners in powerplays can rack up quick bonus points without taking a wicket.
5. Use Captain and Vice-Captain Picks Strategically
Because these roles multiply a player’s points, choosing someone likely to collect multiple types of bonus points (batting + fielding, or bowling + batting) increases your chances of a massive score.
Bonus Points Often Reward the All-Rounders
All-rounders are naturally strong fantasy assets because they contribute in multiple departments. But they also tend to collect more bonus points than single-skill players. A player who bowls four overs and bats in the top five might not dominate in either area but can earn points through economy rate, strike rate, catches, or even a quick 20-run knock.
And while many users prioritize top-order batters or leading pacers, it’s often the quiet all-rounder who quietly climbs the ranks thanks to bonus points.
Don’t Rely on Just Big Names
Big-name players draw attention, and yes they do perform. But relying on them alone means you’re competing with thousands of others who have the same picks. That’s where under-the-radar players with bonus point potential can give you the edge.
When using a fantasy cricket app, spend a few extra minutes studying the scoring system. Understand how bonus points are awarded and identify players who often hit those metrics even if they’re not the top performers.
Final Thoughts
Bonus points in fantasy cricket are like hidden gems. They don’t always get talked about, but they quietly build your score and move your team up the leaderboard. In tightly contested matches or highly competitive contests, they often make the ultimate difference.
As you build your next lineup in a fantasy cricket game, don’t just chase centuries or five-wicket hauls. Pay attention to the players who:
- Are active in the field,
- Bowl tight overs, or
- Score quick runs under pressure.
These are the players who help you win, not just by showing up on the highlight reel, but by consistently collecting those underrated, game-changing bonus points.
So the next time you’re finalizing your team on a fantasy cricket app, remember: it’s not always about the biggest names. Sometimes, it’s the little details that win the biggest games.
