How to Calculate DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) Method in Cricket?

By /

The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is a mathematical formulation used to calculate target scores in interrupted cricket matches. Whether due to rain, bad light, or other factors, the DLS method ensures fairness in shortened games. Let’s dive into how the DLS method works and how you can calculate it step-by-step.

What is the DLS Method?

The DLS method adjusts targets in limited-overs cricket matches when interruptions occur. It accounts for:

  1. Resources available: Wickets in hand and overs remaining.
  2. Fairness: Ensures both teams’ efforts are considered fairly despite the disruption.

It replaces the older version, Duckworth-Lewis (DL), by including modern cricket’s high-scoring trends and T20 dynamics.

Understanding the Basics

  • Resources Table: The DLS method uses a pre-calculated resources table that provides the percentage of resources available for any given combination of wickets lost and overs remaining.
  • Target Adjustment: The resources remaining at the start of the interruption are compared to resources remaining after the restart.

For example:

  • Team A scores 250 runs in 50 overs.
  • Team B has their innings reduced to 30 overs due to rain.
  • DLS calculates the equivalent target based on resources used by Team A and available resources for Team B.

Steps to Calculate DLS Manually

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

  1. Find Resources for Team A:
    • Determine the percentage of resources used by Team A from the DLS resources table.
    • Example: Team A used 100% resources to score 250 runs in 50 overs.
  2. Find Resources for Team B:
    • After the interruption, check Team B’s available resources from the table based on the remaining overs and wickets in hand.
    • Example: Team B’s match is reduced to 30 overs with 10 wickets in hand. From the table, they have 75% resources available.
  3. Calculate Team B’s Adjusted Target:
    • Use the formula:► Adjusted Target = (Team A’s Score) × (Team B’s Resources) / (Team A’s Resources)
    • Substituting the values:
      • Adjusted Target = 250 × (75/100) = 187.5 (rounded to 188 runs).
  4. Finalize Team B’s Target:
    • Team B’s target is 188 runs in 30 overs.

Example Scenario

  1. Team A Innings:
    • Scored: 300 runs in 50 overs.
    • Resources used: 100%.
  2. Team B’s Revised Scenario:
    • Revised Overs: 25 overs.
    • Resources available: 65% (from the table).
  3. DLS Calculation:
    • Adjusted Target = 300 × (65/100) = 195 runs.

Team B’s target is 195 runs in 25 overs.