A complete explanation of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method — how cricket calculates revised targets in rain-affected matches.
Overview
The DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method is a mathematical formula used to calculate revised targets in rain-interrupted limited-overs cricket matches. It replaced earlier, deeply flawed methods and is now the standard across all international and major domestic cricket.
The method is based on the concept of 'resources' — a combination of overs remaining and wickets in hand. Each team starts with 100% resources, and these are consumed as overs are bowled and wickets fall.
How Resources Work
Every combination of overs remaining and wickets lost has a specific resource value. For example:
- 50 overs, 0 wickets = 100% resources
- 40 overs, 0 wickets = 90.3% resources
- 30 overs, 0 wickets = 77.1% resources
- 20 overs, 2 wickets = 52.4% resources
When rain interrupts, the resources available to each team are compared, and the target is adjusted accordingly. If the team batting second has fewer resources available, their target is reduced. If they have more resources (e.g., the first team's innings was interrupted), their target may be increased.
Par Score
At any point during the second innings, a 'par score' can be calculated — this is the score the team batting second needs to be at or above to be considered ahead under DLS. If rain ends the match prematurely, the team batting second wins if they are above par, and loses if below.
The par score is displayed on TV graphics during rain-affected matches, allowing fans to understand the situation in real time.
Criticisms
The DLS method has faced several criticisms:
- It can produce seemingly unfair targets in T20 cricket, where scoring rates are higher and more volatile
- Teams batting second sometimes get a 'better deal' when chasing in reduced overs
- The method doesn't account for specific match conditions (pitch deterioration, dew, etc.)
- It's opaque — most fans don't understand how the calculations work
- The VJD method proposed by Indian engineer V. Jayadevan was arguably better for some scenarios but was rejected by the ICC
Timeline
Related Articles
History of Rain Rules in Cricket
From the absurd 'most productive overs' to DLS — how cricket has struggled with rain interruptions for decades.
1992 World Cup Rain Rule Disaster — 22 Off 1 Ball
The most infamous rain rule moment in cricket — South Africa needed 22 off 13 balls, then rain reduced it to 22 off 1 ball.
The VJD Method — India's Rejected Alternative
Indian engineer V. Jayadevan proposed an alternative to D/L that some experts considered superior, but the ICC rejected it.