What is the DLS method in cricket?

The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is the official mathematical formula used to set revised run targets for the team batting second in limited-overs cricket matches that are interrupted by rain or bad light.

How is the DLS target calculated?

DLS calculates how many 'resources' (overs and wickets) each team has available. If the first innings is completed and the second innings is shortened, the target is revised based on the proportion of resources lost by the interruption.

What is a 'par score' in DLS?

The par score is how many runs the batting team should have scored at any point in their interrupted innings for the match to be tied under DLS. Being above par means they are on track to win; below par means they are losing.

DLS is applied in all ICC-recognised limited-overs matches when a rain or bad-light interruption affects either innings and a result is still possible. It requires a minimum of 20 overs (T20) or a prescribed number of overs in ODIs to constitute a match.

Why is the DLS target sometimes higher than the original target?

If the first innings was interrupted and the batting team loses high-scoring overs (e.g. final power overs), DLS may project a higher total than the team actually scored. The target rises to account for those high-scoring overs the chasing team also loses.

DLS Calculator — Duckworth-Lewis-Stern

Estimate revised targets in rain-affected limited-overs cricket matches using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.