DLS Method Explained: T20 & ODI DLS Calculator (Revised Target + Par Score)
DLS Method Explained (Duckworth–Lewis–Stern) + Free T20 & ODI DLS Calculator
Rain interrupted match? This guide explains the DLS method in simple terms and includes a calculator to find par score, revised target, and (optionally) runs ahead/behind par.
On this page Guide + Tool
1) DLS Calculator (T20 & ODI) 2) What is DLS? 3) What are “resources”? 4) DLS formula (simplified) 5) Worked examples 6) FAQQuick definition
The DLS (Duckworth–Lewis–Stern) method adjusts targets in rain-affected limited-overs matches by comparing each team’s remaining scoring resources (overs left + wickets in hand).
For best accuracy, use the official Resource % values (R1 and R2) from DLS tables/software.
DLS Calculator (T20 / ODI)
Par = S × (R2 ÷ R1)
Tip: If the match ends early while Team 2 is batting, compare Team 2’s actual score to the par score. If Team 2 is behind par, they lose; if ahead, they win (subject to official playing conditions).
What is the DLS method in cricket?
The Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method is used in ODI and T20 cricket when overs are lost due to rain or other interruptions. It produces a fair revised target (or a par score) by considering how much scoring potential each team had.
DLS is more accurate than a simple run-rate method because it also accounts for wickets. A team with more wickets in hand can usually score faster near the end.
What are “resources” in DLS?
Overs remaining
More overs left means more time to build an innings and accelerate, so resource % is higher.
Wickets in hand
More wickets allow batters to take risks. Fewer wickets reduces resource % and scoring ability.
Resource percentage (R%)
DLS converts the match situation into a resource % value using official tables/software.
DLS formula (simplified)
In simplified form, if:
- S = Team 1 score
- R1 = Team 1 resource % available/used
- R2 = Team 2 resource % available after interruptions
Par score = S × (R2 ÷ R1)
To win, Team 2 generally needs Par + 1 (with rounding as per playing conditions).
If there are multiple rain breaks, R2 changes each time. Official results come from licensed DLS software.
Worked examples (T20/ODI)
Example 1: Reduced chase before it starts
Team 1 scores 180 in a full innings (R1 = 100%). Rain reduces Team 2’s innings resources to R2 = 85%.
Par = 180 × (85/100) = 153.00
Revised target (par + 1) = 154.
Example 2: Match stopped mid-chase
Team 1 scores 220 (R1 = 100%). Team 2 resources after interruptions: R2 = 70%. Rain ends the match with Team 2 on 150.
Par = 220 × (70/100) = 154.00
Team 2 is 4 runs behind par, so Team 1 wins by DLS.
Example 3: Same overs, different wickets
Losing wickets reduces the chasing side’s resource %. So even with the same overs remaining, the par score can change.
- If R2 = 60% → Par = 200 × 0.60 = 120
- If R2 = 75% → Par = 200 × 0.75 = 150
