Rain interrupts play. Overs are cut. Commentators start talking about par score.
And suddenly, the entire match depends on the DLS calculator.
If you have ever felt confused during a rain affected ODI or T20, this guide will help you follow every step. By the end, you will know exactly how a DLS calculator sets revised targets and how to read the numbers like an informed cricket fan.
What is a DLS calculator in cricket?
A DLS calculator is a tool used to calculate revised targets in rain affected limited overs matches. It follows the Duckworth Lewis Stern method, which adjusts scores based on overs remaining and wickets lost.
In simple terms, it measures a team’s remaining resources and compares them with the first batting side.
The method is officially used in:
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One Day Internationals
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T20 Internationals
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ICC tournaments
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Domestic leagues such as the IPL
Each team starts with 100 percent resources. As overs reduce or wickets fall, that percentage drops. The revised target depends on the remaining resource percentage.
So instead of guessing, the match outcome is adjusted using a mathematical model built from real scoring data.
Why do you need a DLS calculator?
You need a DLS calculator when a match is interrupted and overs are reduced during the second innings.
Without it, simple run rate comparison would create unfair results. Teams bat differently depending on wickets in hand and overs left.
The calculator solves this by accounting for:
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Overs remaining
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Wickets lost
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Original match length
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Runs scored by Team 1
This keeps the match competitive even after rain breaks the rhythm.
Now let us go step by step.
Step 1: Note the first innings total
Start with the total runs scored by the team batting first.
For example:
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Team A scores 280 in 50 overs in an ODI
This total becomes the base score for comparison.
If the first innings was also shortened before it started, then the adjusted total from that innings becomes the reference point.
This number is the foundation for the DLS calculation.
Step 2: Check overs allocated to the chasing team
Next, look at how many overs the chasing team originally had and how many remain after interruption.
For example:
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Match reduced from 50 overs to 35 overs
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Team B now has 35 overs instead of 50
Overs reduction directly impacts available resources.
Fewer overs mean fewer scoring opportunities. However, if many wickets remain, the team can still attack.
This balance between overs and wickets drives the DLS formula.
Step 3: Check wickets lost at interruption
Wickets matter just as much as overs.
For example:
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Team B is 120 for 2 in 20 overs
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Rain reduces the game to 30 overs
That means they have:
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10 overs remaining
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8 wickets in hand
Since many wickets remain, their resource percentage stays relatively high.
If they were 120 for 7 instead, the revised target would likely be lower because batting strength has reduced.
This is why commentators often say, “Wickets in hand will help them under DLS.”
Step 4: Calculate resource percentage
The DLS calculator uses official resource tables to convert overs remaining and wickets lost into a percentage value.
For example:
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30 overs left with 10 wickets might equal 75 percent resources
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10 overs left with 8 wickets might equal 30 percent resources
The calculator compares:
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Resources available to Team 1
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Resources available to Team 2
It then adjusts the target proportionally.
Fans do not need to calculate the table manually. Broadcasters and official scoring apps use approved DLS software.
What matters is understanding that this step is purely mathematical and not subjective.
Step 5: Apply the revised target formula
Once resource percentages are known, the revised target is calculated.
The simplified logic works like this:
Revised Target = (Team 1 Score × Team 2 Resource %) ÷ Team 1 Resource %
For example:
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Team 1 scored 280
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Team 2 has 70 percent of resources
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Team 1 used 100 percent
The target becomes 196, plus one run to win.
Although the official system is more detailed, this simplified version explains the concept clearly.
The final number becomes the new winning target.
Step 6: Track the DLS par score during play
The DLS calculator also produces a par score at every stage of the chase.
Par score is the score the chasing team must reach to stay level at that moment.
For example:
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After 15 overs, par score is 85
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Team B is 90
They are 5 runs ahead of DLS.
If rain stops play permanently at that point, Team B wins.
This creates tactical urgency when dark clouds appear. Teams accelerate to stay ahead of par.
Understanding par score helps you follow tense rain shortened matches more confidently.
Common mistakes fans make with DLS
Many fans misread the system during live games.
Here are typical misunderstandings:
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Comparing only run rate
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Ignoring wickets lost
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Assuming target always reduces
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Thinking DLS favors the team batting second
In reality, DLS adjusts fairly based on resources. Sometimes targets increase if the chasing team keeps wickets in hand.
That is why aggressive batting early can pay off if rain is expected.
Is there an official online DLS calculator?
Yes, official scoring systems use licensed DLS software approved by the ICC.
Many cricket apps display:
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Revised targets
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Par scores
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Resource percentages
However, the official calculation tables are not fully public. The exact algorithm is controlled and updated periodically.
For fans, the best approach is to follow verified scorecards rather than random calculators online.
Final thoughts on using a DLS calculator in cricket
The DLS calculator may look complex at first. But once you break it into steps, it becomes logical.
Remember the sequence:
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First innings total
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Overs reduced
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Wickets in hand
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Resource percentage
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Revised target
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Par score tracking
Rain will always interrupt cricket. But confusion does not have to.
Next time a match is shortened, watch the par score and resource context. You will understand the game within the game, even when the weather tries to change it.