This guide explains how to apply the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method when play is interrupted in a limited overs match, including how to adjust overs, calculate revised targets, and manage the display of Par Scores.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to view a video summary of the functions described in this guide.
Overview
DLS is used when play is interrupted (e.g. due to weather) and the number of overs is reduced. It helps calculate a new target score to ensure fairness based on resources lost.
Starting the DLS Process
To use the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method:
- When the players have left the field, open the Play State dropdown menu on the Play Control panel.
- Select the reason for the interruption in play from the menu.
- Wait for the interruption in play to end. After the interruption, the umpires should inform you of the number of overs lost.
- Click the Overs Rem link on the Score Summary panel. The Revised Overs/Target/DLS dialogue opens. You can also go to Scoring > Revised Overs/Target/DLS to open this dialogue.
- Check that the Auto-update using DLS box is ticked.
- Open the dropdown beside the Auto-update using DLS checkbox and check that the appropriate version of DLS is selected (e.g. DLS Professional or Standard).
- Type a numerical value into the G50 field if you are using the Standard version of DLS. Type "245" for professional matches, or "200" for most other match formats (this is the ICC-recommended value).
- Open the Scoreboard Display dropdown menu to select how often the DLS Par Score is updated in the second innings on both internal and external scoreboards. The Par Score is the score that the batting side requires at this point in play for the scores to be level. Available options are:
- End of Over: This is the recommended setting and shows the Par Score for the end of the current over.
- Current Par: Par Score for the ball just bowled.
- End of Ball: Par Score for the upcoming delivery.
- Click the Add button to add a new row in the Revision History list. Each interruption should be recorded individually.
- Type the revised number of remaining overs into the Revised Overs column field of the new row. In the second innings of a match the Revised Target field will display the new target score.
- Click OK to close the Revised Overs/Target/DLS dialogue. The Main Scoreboard panel and the Score Summary panel will show the reduced number of overs remaining. An innings note is also created noting the change in remaining overs.
The innings will automatically end when the reduced number of overs have been bowled. If an interruption is recorded in the first innings, a new target will be calculated when the second innings begins.
For information about printing or providing others with a Par Scores table, see Duckworth-Lewis-Stern: Accessing and Printing Par Tables.
Video Guide