Methodology

Transparent enough to audit.

The product is designed around pre-match probability distributions rather than picks. Models are evaluated with walk-forward tests: a historical prediction can only use information that existed before that match.

RUNS

Player Runs

Historical innings are weighted by recency, expected batting role and competition. A cohort prior stabilizes smaller player samples. The output is a full runs distribution rather than a single average.

P(Runs ≥ x) is derived from that distribution for each displayed threshold.

ROLE

Expected batting position

The expected position is inferred from the player's most recent appearances with higher weight on recent matches. Role Stability measures how consistently the player bats within ±1 position of that expected role.

FOURS

Player Fours

The model estimates a player-specific probability of a four per legal ball, shrunk toward players with a comparable batting role. It then integrates that event rate over the player's estimated balls-faced distribution.

SIXES

Player Sixes

The sixes model uses the same opportunity framework, but learns a separate six-rate. A beta-binomial count model allows extra variation beyond a simple fixed-rate binomial model.

Validation

What we have tested so far

7.42%
Runs v0.3 Brier improvement vs Last-10 on 2023–26 holdout
6.42%
Sixes rate-model Brier improvement vs Last-10
5.01%
Fours rate-model Brier improvement vs Last-10
These validation comparisons use synthetic pre-match thresholds to test probability quality. They do not represent bookmaker comparisons, betting returns or guaranteed future accuracy.

Data source

Historical match and ball-by-ball data in this MVP come from Cricsheet. The UI snapshot currently covers Big Bash League and T20 Blast. The production architecture should retain source attribution and the applicable data-license requirements.

Current MVP limitations

  • No future fixture feed or confirmed playing XI.
  • No opponent or venue context in the neutral player snapshots shown on the current site.
  • No user accounts, watchlists or subscriptions.
  • No bookmaker odds, comparisons or betting recommendations.