The Triple Play: A Fan's Guide to the Most Popular Bat and Ball Sports
In the global arena of bat and ball sports, three names stand out: softball, cricket, and baseball. Each sport has established a substantial following that spans continents, showcasing an array of talents through prestigious tournaments, legendary players, and teams that have become household names. While it is the former of those three that our site is centered around, there can be no denying that it is a distant third when it comes to popularity.
Those of us stateside consider baseball the most popular however, when it comes to the global stage, cricket stands head and shoulders clear of the rest. In India alone there are over one billion avid fans following every ball. In fact, the Cricket World Cup final is the third most-watched sporting event on the planet, behind only the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. But all three sports certainly have their draws, so let's take a look at each of them in depth.
Softball is considered baseball's sibling, and it has carved out its own identity with distinctive features and a fervent community. Originating in 1887 in Chicago, the sport has evolved into a fast-paced game that's known for its shorter game times and a smaller playing field compared to its big brother.
Icons of the game like Cat Osterman and Jennie Finch have inspired countless players with their dominating pitching and charisma. Teams like the UCLA Bruins and the Oklahoma Sooners are synonymous with success in the collegiate sphere, while on the professional stage, teams like the USSSA Pride display top-tier prowess.
Cricket commands a massive fanbase, predominantly in the Commonwealth countries, with its origins tracing back to 16th-century England. This sport is as much a test of strategy and stamina as it is of skill, with matches that can range from a few hours to five-day-long tests. And yes, sometimes after almost a week of action, the match can still end as a draw. Why do those on the other side of the pond love it so much?
Well, one of those reasons is the opportunity to place a live bet on the cricket action, encompassing the highest opening partnership, futures betting, match betting, and more – which are all available while the game is progressing. Online bookmakers allow punters to flutter on each and every delivery that a batsman faces, as well as betting on the number of runs scored in a particular over, or by a particular player. This certainly keeps the interest as the five days progress.
The ICC Cricket World Cup and the T20 World Cup are among the most coveted championships, attracting billions of viewers worldwide. the former of those two recently took place in India, with Australia knocking off the hosts in a stunning upset in the Ahmedabad showpiece. They restricted the Men in Blue to a paltry score of 240 all out before striding to the 241 required for victory with seven overs to spare thanks to a blistering 137 off 120 balls from Travis Head. When it comes to club competitions, the IPL reigns supreme and its rights deal is the second biggest on the planet, behind only the NFL and surprisingly ahead of the English Premier League.
The gentleman's game has been graced with legends such as Sir Don Bradman, whose batting average remains unparalleled, and Sachin Tendulkar, who is revered globally for his batting prowess. Vivian Richards brought flair to the sport, while modern maestros like Virat Kohli continue to break records. The India captain and England's Ben Stokes are probably the two most recognizable on the planet at present, with the Englishman in particular being known for his clutch displays and on occasion, winning matches almost single-handedly.
Throughout the course of 2019, he had the innings of a lifetime as he led his country to its first-ever World Cup triumph, defeating his birth country, New Zealand, in the process. Just weeks later he played one of the greatest innings of all time as his spell-binding 135 not out managed to keep the Ashes alive against Australia. He has since gone on to become the captain of his country and he will go down in history as one of England's greatest-ever players.
Baseball is deeply ingrained in the great U S of A and is often referred to as "America's pastime." With origins predating the Civil War, the sport is celebrated for its rich history and timeless tradition. The MLB season culminates in the World Series, a best-of-seven playoff that crowns the league champion. Two underdog sides recently battled it out for the giant trophy as the Texas Rangers took on the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Both sides were unfancied however, they managed to knock off more illustrious teams, with the former defeating the Houston Astros and the latter beating both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies en route to the showpiece series. In the end, however, it was the Texans that ultimately ran out victorious with a 4-1 series victory and the first championship in franchise history.
