What is the DLS method in cricket? Target and par score explained

What is the DLS method?

DLS means Duckworth-Lewis-Stern. It is the method used in limited-overs cricket to revise a target when rain or another interruption reduces the overs available.

The idea is to compare the batting resources available before and after the interruption rather than simply cutting the original target in proportion to the overs lost.

Why is a simple run-rate calculation not used?

A batting team’s scoring potential depends on both overs left and wickets in hand. A side with ten overs remaining and nine wickets in hand has more scoring resources than a side with ten overs left and only two wickets. DLS accounts for that difference.

That is why two matches with the same number of overs lost can produce different revised targets.

What is a par score?

The par score is the DLS score a chasing team needs at that moment to be level with the revised target. If play stops and cannot resume, the result can depend on whether the chasing side is ahead of, level with or behind that par score under the competition rules.

The target and the par score are related but not identical terms. Fans often see both on scoreboards during rain-affected matches.

Can you calculate DLS from normal run rate?

Not reliably. The official calculation uses the DLS resource model and match data. A quick “runs per over” calculation can be misleading because it ignores wickets and the timing of the interruption.

What if rain comes more than once?

The target can be recalculated again if another interruption changes the available overs. The scoreboard may therefore show a new target later in the same innings.

Important rule for fans

The final DLS target is set using the official match conditions and lost overs. Do not rely on social-media screenshots or a manual calculation when the official scoreboard shows a different figure.

The match referee and official scoring system are definitive for the result.