Rain Rule in Cricket: DLS Method Explained Simply
When rain interrupts a cricket match, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method sets revised targets. Learn how DLS works, why it replaced the old rain rules, and how targets are calculated.
What Is the DLS Method?
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is the official mathematical formula used to calculate revised targets in limited-overs cricket matches interrupted by rain, bad light, or other delays. It replaced the simple 'run rate' method which was widely criticised as unfair.
The Core Concept: Resources
DLS is based on the concept of 'resources'. Each team starts an innings with 100% resources — a combination of overs remaining and wickets in hand. When overs are lost to rain, the team loses a percentage of their resources. The revised target is adjusted to reflect this resource loss.
History: From D/L to DLS
Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis introduced the formula in 1997, replacing the inferior average run-rate method. Steven Stern took over maintenance of the method in 2014, adding the 'S' to the name. The ICC now owns the DLS tables and updates them periodically.
Why the Old Rain Rules Were Unfair
Before DLS, the most common method simply compared run rates or used the 'most productive overs' rule. These methods could produce absurd targets — famously, England needed 24 runs from 1 ball in the 1992 World Cup semi-final after a rain interruption reduced South Africa's already impossible target, leaving them with no realistic path to victory.
Minimum Overs for a Valid Result
For a DLS result to be valid, the team chasing must face a minimum number of overs: 20 in ODIs, 5 in T20Is. If fewer overs are possible, the match is abandoned with no result or a tie declared depending on competition rules.
Frequently asked questions
Who invented the DLS method?
Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis developed the original D/L method, first used in 1997. Steven Stern later updated and now maintains the system, adding the 'S' in 2014.
How is the DLS target calculated?
The calculation uses a table of resource percentages based on overs and wickets remaining. The revised target is the original target multiplied by the ratio of the chasing team's resources to the team that batted first.
Can a team win by DLS method?
Yes. If the team chasing reaches or surpasses the DLS target when play is suspended, they are declared the winner. If they fall short when play ends, they lose.