Understanding Pre-Toss and Post-Toss Predictions on 11Wizards

A knowledgeable prediction can distinguish between a winning and losing lineup in fantasy cricket. 11Wizards harnesses the power of data-driven predictive analytics, providing fantasy cricket enthusiasts with a strategic advantage that refines their lineup selections and amplifies scoring possibilities. It has valuable features like customisable player choices, options to adjust risk levels, and ways to find contests across popular fantasy apps, making predictions more straightforward.

Related: Why 11Wizards is the best Lineup Builder for Fantasy Cricket

11Wizards gives you two types of predictions: pre-toss and post-toss. Pre-toss predictions are made before the toss occurs.

These predictions are made by the 11Wizards’ algorithm based on key match factors and our experts’ best guess at the possible playing XI.

But the toss decides which team bats first, and that is when the final lineups are also announced, so the algorithm has to take these additional factors into account. These form the post-toss predictions.

In this article, let us understand how these insights create a clear plan that helps you make intelligent choices and improve your chances of success.

Importance of the Toss in Cricket

The toss is a critical moment in a cricket match. It influences how each team will plan their strategy and affects the game’s flow, especially in shorter formats like T20 and ODI. Winning the toss gives a team the advantage of setting the game’s tone. For instance, a captain might choose to bat first on a dry, batting-friendly pitch to aim for a high score. Alternatively, opting to bowl first on a pitch favourable to seamers could allow the bowling side to exploit early movement and contain the opposition’s scoring.

Fantasy cricket players must factor in the toss decisions since a team batting or bowling first can alter the expected performance of key players. For example, bowlers who perform early in seamer-friendly conditions will likely score higher points if their team first bowls. The toss is not just important in the actual game; it is also a crucial part of fantasy cricket strategy. Users should create lineups that adjust to the specific situations that each toss decision brings.

Also Read: Points System in Fantasy Cricket

What Are Pre-Toss Predictions?

Pre-toss predictions refer to the insights and analyses made before the match begins. Since these predictions are generated before the toss takes place, they rely on recent player form, pitch conditions, team strategies, etc.

Pre-toss predictions are based on unconfirmed lineups and cannot account for the result of the toss i.e which team bats first. Therefore, they are usually less accurate.

Nevertheless, fantasy cricket players can start building their lineups with these informed assumptions, and make slight adjustments as required after the toss.

You can identify that a match is in the pre-toss prediction stage by looking for that tag on the 11Wizards contests dashboard (see screenshot below):

The factors that you should be looking at pre-toss are:

  • Expected player participation: This is a forward looking assessment of the final lineup after evaluating factors like player availability, injuries, tactics, publicly available news etc. This is essentially a ‘best guess’ after looking at both historical AND predictive metrics available on the 11Wizards app. This is designed to help you avoid picking players who aren’t even going to play.
  • Form of key players: Pre-toss predictions consider recent performances, including high-scoring batters and wicket-taking bowlers in peak form. They are more likely to do well in the upcoming match.
  • General pitch conditions: Predictions are intricate; they take in pitch conditions too. For example, in venues known for their slow, spin-friendly tracks (Like Chennai or Kolkata), lineup builders would prefer spinners in the bowling category and batters with vital records against spin.
  • Team strengths and strategies: The 11Wizards algorithm analyses factors like relative team strength, expected match scores, expected batting positions of players and expected bowling allocations. Basically, the more involved a player is, the more likely it is that they will contribute points to your team’s overall score.

What Are Post-Toss Predictions?

Post-toss predictions are insights generated after the toss happens, offering a significant boost in accuracy for fantasy cricket strategies. With the toss result and the playing XIs now known, these predictions make strategic adjustments that align better with the toss outcome. 11Wizards makes adjustments to the pre-toss predictions by taking the following extra factors into account:

  • Toss result: The toss outcome significantly influences the overall fantasy scores during a match. For example, consider a match between Scotland and India. If India wins the toss and elects to bat first, they are likely to utilize the full 20 overs to set a high target. This scenario provides ample opportunities for Indian players, including middle-order batter, to contribute significantly to the team’s score. A batter at position 5 in India’s lineup, who might usually enter during the later overs, could potentially accumulate runs in this situation, making them a valuable fantasy pick. In contrast, if Scotland wins the toss and bats first, the dynamics change. Scotland is less likely to post a high total against a stronger Indian bowling attack. In this scenario, India would aim to chase down the score quickly leaving minimal opportunities for middle-order batters to make an impact. Consequently, India’s number 5 batter might not even get a chance to bat, making them a poor fantasy choice.

In such a scenario, a lower-ranked Scottish batter could become a better fantasy pick. This is because, despite their overall weaker skills, they might spend more time at the crease or score crucial runs. Their increased contribution in a tough match could lead to higher fantasy points compared to a stronger but underutilized Indian batter. So an Indian’s number 5 might be a good pick in scenario 1 (India bat first) but could be a terrible pick in scenario 2 (India chase). In scenario 2, a “worse” batter from Scotland might be a much better fantasy pick even though he’s a comparatively worse player.

  • Final starting XI: With confirmed lineups, the lineup builder selects only the active players, avoiding the risk of picking bench players who won’t contribute any points.
  • Updated win probabilities and projected performances: Predictions are updated with new win probabilities and expected performances after the toss. These updates consider the current match conditions and the result of the toss. 11Wizards utilises this information to assist fantasy players and make last-minute adjustments. 

Key Differences Between Pre-Toss and Post-Toss Predictions

In fantasy cricket, the choice between pre-toss and post-toss predictions affects both risk management and lineup accuracy. Each type of prediction has its own benefits. Let us understand their differences and break down how each type contributes to fantasy success.

Aspect Pre-Toss Predictions Post-Toss Predictions
Accuracy of Predictions Predictions are based on unconfirmed lineups, without knowing the toss outcome. They are ‘best guesses’ based on various data points and publicly available data. Usually less accurate Predictions are based on the actual outcome of the toss and the confirmed lineups, hence they are usually more accurate.
Risk and Flexibility Higher risk due to unknown factors like which team will bat first and less flexibility as early lineups are based on projections rather than confirmed details. Lower risk as strategies can be adjusted to actual conditions; flexibility in adapting lineups based on the toss outcome and real-time match information.
Impact on Strategy Essential for early lineup locks in leagues requiring submissions before the toss; it involves a level of guesswork but allows early strategy development. Enables precise adjustments, allowing players to optimise lineups according to specific game conditions, such as team batting or bowling first.

The Role of 11Wizards in Making Pre and Post-Toss Predictions

11Wizards is an essential fantasy cricket companion app that allows fantasy cricket players to make data-driven decisions based on insights gathered before and after the toss.

Note: You can sign up on the 11Wizards app to be notified when a match enters the pre-toss and post-toss prediction phases.

Let’s look at how 11Wizards can help you build your teams before the toss and make slight adjustments based on the toss outcome and confirmed lineups.

11Wizards Predictive Analytics Tools

At the core of 11Wizards functionality is its predictive analytics engine, which provides users with detailed player insights and match projections before the game even begins. The platform’s Lineup Wizard is a lineup builder tool that helps predict how players will perform by looking at factors including the expected batting order, bowling assignments, player roles (like Batter, Wicketkeeper, and all-rounder), predicted team scores, and the expected starting 11.

How 11Wizards Combines Pre-Toss and Post-Toss Data?

One of the 11Wizards’ standout features is its seamless integration of pre-toss and post-toss data. The app provides early predictions so fantasy players can lock in initial lineups. When the toss outcome and starting XIs are confirmed, the Lineup Wizard refines predictions and lineup recommendations in real time. For example, if a team chooses to bowl first on a pitch favouring seam bowlers, the Lineup Wizard quickly recommends bowlers likely to do well in those conditions. This quick adjustment helps users avoid guesswork and create lineups aligning with match details.

Hence, such a dual-phase approach empowers fantasy players to start with a solid pre-toss strategy and enhance it with real-time data to maximise their lineup’s scoring potential, transforming predictions into winning strategies.

Get a competitive edge in fantasy cricket with this step-by-step guide on how to use 11Wizards to make your Dream11 team

Examples of How Pre-Toss and Post-Toss Predictions Influence Match Outcomes

Grasping how predictions are formulated before and following a toss provides fantasy players with a solid approach to enhancing their lineups. Let us examine two instances that illustrate the advantages of both prediction types.

Scenario 1 – Importance of Pre-Toss Predictions

Imagine an IPL match between CSK and RR taking place in Chennai. Let’s assume CSK are considered the heavy favourites because RR has been in poor form throughout the IPL campaign. The pitch in Chennai has a track record of favouring spin bowlers. So the 11Wizards algorithm will favour selecting bowlers like Maheesh Theekshana and Ravichandran Ashwin in the pre-toss lineup. Fantasy players using 11Wizards can take advantage of this by prioritising these players, anticipating they will likely perform well due to the pitch’s history. However, at this stage, they should anticipate that there will be some adjustments required after the toss.

Scenario 2 – Post-Toss Adjustments

Continuing the above example, let’s assume that, at the toss, CSK elects to bat first after winning the toss, and announces that Ashwin will not be playing due to an injury sustained while warming up. Now the 11Wizards algorithm will need to update predictions accordingly. It is likely that more batters from CSK will be part of the team predictions, since CSK is batting first on a pitch suited for batting in the first innings. It’s also likely that more spin bowlers might be picked from the CSK team, as the pitch is suited for spin bowling in the second innings.

Conclusion

In fantasy cricket, grasping the significance of predictions made before and after the toss is crucial for developing a competitive advantage. Pre-toss predictions provide a strategic base and create a strong lineup using past data and expected match conditions. Post-toss predictions bring real-time adjustments based on the toss outcome, finalised playing XIs, and current match conditions. Together, these predictions offer a complete, adaptable strategy that prepares fantasy players for all game-day scenarios.

11Wizards facilitates this dual strategy by combining data-driven pre-toss insights with dynamic post-toss adjustments. Through its predictive analytics tools, users gain early access to detailed player insights and venue statistics, which can then be refined after the toss to account for real-time variables. The platform’s Lineup Wizard simplifies the process, ensuring users can make informed choices and reduce guesswork. In a competitive fantasy cricket environment where every detail matters, using tools like 11Wizards helps players stay ahead. Download the 11Wizards App and pave your way for success.

FAQs

Why are pre-toss predictions important in fantasy cricket?

Pre-toss predictions are essential because they allow fantasy players to craft lineups early, utilising historical data and predicted match conditions. With these insights, users can foresee how the game might unfold and make intelligent choices based on player ability and match conditions. Creating lineups ahead of time is especially useful in leagues where lineups must be submitted before the toss. 

What should I focus on when making pre-toss predictions?

When crafting a pre-toss strategy, focus on critical elements like player form, pitch conditions, and team strategies. If certain players have played well in recent matches, consider putting them in your lineup. Understanding the pitch conditions also matters—whether it’s known to favour spin or seam can heavily influence player choices. 

How does the toss affect a fantasy cricket lineup?

The toss is a game-changer in cricket, as it decides which team bats or bowls first, affecting player roles and match strategies. For instance, if a team elects to bat first on a flat track, the 11Wizards algorithm will update the predictions accordingly. There is a high chance that the predictions will include more batters than bowlers, since batters are likely to contribute more points than bowlers on a batting friendly pitch. If the team batting first is also the much stronger than the opponents, then you might find far more batters from that team being selected.

What is the advantage of post-toss predictions?

Post-toss predictions allow fantasy players to refine their lineups with confirmed, real-time data. Knowing the toss outcome and starting XIs, provides clarity and removes lineup uncertainties. With post-toss predictions, players can make precise adjustments, enhancing the reliability of their teams by aligning with actual game conditions.

Can 11Wizards help me with post-toss adjustments?

Yes. 11Wizards is designed to offer real-time data and dynamic lineup adjustments based on post-toss outcomes. The platform’s predictive tools quickly update player projections to reflect the latest match conditions, enabling users to capitalise on immediate lineup changes.