Duckworth-Lewis-Stern or DLS method is a set of mathematical formulations commonly used in the limited overs format of cricket.
This method is applied when a cricket match is interrupted by bad weather conditions to calculate the target score for the chasing side.
The DLS method was approved by ICC in 1999 and is used to calculate the DLS target in rain or weather-affected international matches.
Here’s everything you need to know about the DLS method, from its origin to the calculation process.
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Know All About The DLS Method In Cricket
The original creators of the DLS method were two statisticians, Frank Duckworth, and Tony Lewis.
Later, these two retired, and the statistics professor from Queensland University, Professor Steven Stern, was made custodian of this method.
DLS method was first used in 1996-97 in a match between England and Zimbabwe.
Since then, it has come to the world’s attention and has become an integral part of cricket.
International Cricket Council (ICC) adopted the DLS method to reach results in games with rain or bad weather interruptions.
While there are many debates and controversies around the DLS method, it remains one of the best options for getting results in rain-affected matches.
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Reason For Following Duckworth Lewis method
International Cricket Council (ICC) has been using the DLS method to calculate the DLS target scores for a long time.
The major reason behind using the DLS method is that it helps to reach final results in a game even after losing a major portion of playing time.
Here are a few reasons to understand the benefits of using the Duckworth Lewis Method:
- Helps in avoiding withdrawal of a match due to poor weather conditions.
- Helps in reaching results in a cricket match even after bad weather.
- It gives equal chances to both teams even after losing a few overs due to bad weather conditions.
- After losing a few overs, calculate the correct target score for the chasing team.
- It gives equal opportunities to both teams.
Duckworth and Lewis gave a complete mathematical formulation to calculate the target to ensure both teams are justified with fair opportunities to win. The DLS method has saved many matches from getting washed away by rain.
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DLS(Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) Method Calculation
The first step of calculating a target is identifying the number of overs that were lost due to bad weather conditions.
The two main factors used in the DLS method for calculation are remaining overs and wickets.
To calculate the DLS target, you should use the following formula:
Team 2’s Par Score = Team 1’s Score X (Team 2’s Resources/Team 1’s Resources)
After the interruption in a match, the remaining over and wickets of the team chasing are calculated.
Based on these two factors/resources, the corresponding values are drawn from a special chart. This chart was prepared by Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis that helps calculate the value of resources left for both sides.
The remaining overs are calculated by subtracting overs played before interruption from the total number of overs in a match. This is why there is a wide variation in DLS scores in T-20 and ODI matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How does DLS work in cricket?
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is used whenever an ongoing limited-overs match is interrupted due to rain or poor weather.
In such a case, the DLS method calculates a target score for the chasing team using resources left for both teams.
Q2. When is the DLS method applied?
DLS method is applied only to a limited of matches facing the loss of playing time due to bad weather. This method calculates the DLS target score for the team batting second with available resources.
Q3. Is the DLS method unfair?
DLS is a method purely based on mathematical formulas and statistics. There have been many debates regarding DLS being unfair for the team batting second.
Q4. Is the DLS method used in Test cricket?
No, the use of the DLS method is limited to limited over format only. Initially, this method was used in ODIs only, but now the DLS method is also in T20 internationals.
Q5. How is the DLS target calculator?
In the DLS method, the target for the chasing side is calculated based on the available resources of both sides.
Therefore, it takes different accounts while calculating the DLS target, such as first innings score, remaining overs, remaining wickets, etc.
Q6. How many overs need to be bowled for Duckworth Lewis?
In a 50-over match, each team must face a minimum of 20 overs for the DLS method to be used. Similarly, for T-20 matches, a minimum of 5 overs of play is mandatory for both sides.