What is DLS?
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method is the official way to set a fair target when a limited-overs match is shortened by rain or bad light. It was created by statisticians Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis and later updated by Steven Stern.
Resources: overs and wickets
DLS treats each team's batting as a mix of two resources: overs remaining and wickets in hand. A team with many overs and all ten wickets left has full resources. As overs are used and wickets fall, resources go down.
How a revised target works
If the second innings is shortened, the chasing team has fewer resources than the team that batted first. DLS reduces the target in proportion to the lost resources. If the first innings is interrupted, the calculation can sometimes increase the target for the chasing side.
Par scores
During a chase, the DLS par score tells you how many runs the chasing team needs at that moment to be ahead if play stops. Teams watch this number closely when rain is around.
What it means for analysis
When rain is in the forecast, chasing teams often try to stay ahead of the DLS par score early. Keeping wickets in hand is especially important because wickets lost count heavily against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DLS stand for?
DLS stands for Duckworth-Lewis-Stern, named after Frank Duckworth, Tony Lewis and Steven Stern, who developed and updated the method.
Why do wickets matter in DLS?
DLS treats wickets and overs as resources. Losing wickets reduces a team's remaining resources, which affects the revised target.
Is DLS used in T20 cricket?
Yes. DLS is used in rain-affected ODI and T20 matches, including the IPL, when overs are lost.