No Result in Cricket Explained
What a 'no result' is in limited-overs cricket, when it's declared, and how DLS is used to avoid no results where possible.
What Is a No Result?
A 'no result' is declared in a limited-overs match when play begins but there is not enough play to determine a winner through either a normal result or the DLS method. Rain is the most common cause. In ODI cricket, the minimum threshold for a DLS result is typically 20 overs per side (but this varies by competition). In T20 cricket, the minimum is usually 5 overs per side.
Difference from Abandonment
An abandoned match sees no play at all — not a single ball is bowled. A no-result match does see some play, but not enough for a conclusive result. Both record as NR (No Result) in some scoring systems, but in ICC official records, they are distinguished: 'abandoned' means pre-play, 'no result' means play started but was insufficient.
DLS Minimum Overs
When rain interrupts a match, the DLS method calculates revised targets. However, DLS requires a minimum number of overs to have been bowled per side for the result to be valid. If rain reduces the match below the minimum threshold, no DLS result can be applied — and the match becomes a no result. The minimum overs threshold prevents DLS from being applied to tiny sample sizes that would produce random results.
Frequently asked questions
How many overs does a T20 need for a result?
In T20 internationals, the minimum number of overs for a result using DLS is typically 5 overs per side (though it depends on the competition's playing conditions). If fewer than 5 overs can be bowled per side, the match is usually declared a no result.
Does a no result count in a player's statistics?
If the player batted or bowled before the match became a no result, those statistics count. The runs, wickets, and overs from the balls that were bowled are included in career records.
Can a no result be replayed?
In bilateral series, the match may or may not be rescheduled depending on the tour schedule and stadium availability. ICC events typically do not reschedule group-stage matches — the no result points are simply allocated as drawn or split.