On July 19, 2025, England Women used the DLS method to beat India Women by eight wickets at Lord’s after rain curtailed India's innings. India posted 143/8 in 29 overs, while England chased a revised target of 116 in 21 overs. The result leveled the three‑match series 1‑1 and set up a decisive third ODI. Live streams were available on Sony LIV and FanCode.
DLS Method: Simple Guide to Cricket’s Rain Rule
If a match is stopped by rain, you’ve probably heard commentators mention the DLS method. It’s not magic – it’s a math‑based way to set a fair target when the game is shortened. Knowing the basics helps you follow the drama instead of getting lost in numbers.
What the DLS method actually does
The DLS (Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern) method looks at two resources: overs left and wickets in hand. Each team starts with 100 % of both resources. When overs are lost, the percentage drops. If a team loses wickets, that also cuts the resource share. The method calculates how many runs the batting side should have scored to keep the contest even.
How to read a DLS revised target
When rain hits, the officials will announce a new target. For example, if Team A made 250 runs in 50 overs, and rain cuts Team B’s innings to 30 overs, the DLS table might say Team B needs 180 runs. That number already includes the wickets they still have. If they lose a wicket early, the target can shift again because the resource percentage changes.
Fans often wonder why the target isn’t a simple proportion of the original score. The answer is that the method assumes scoring gets harder as wickets fall, so losing early wickets costs more than losing them later. That’s why the DLS tables factor in both overs and wickets.
Practical tips for following a DLS‑adjusted game
1. Keep an eye on the resource percentage shown on the screen – it tells you how much batting power each side has left.
2. Notice the “par score.” If the batting side is above the par score, they’re ahead; below means they’re trailing.
3. Remember that the target can change again if more rain comes. The officials will recalculate each time play resumes.
Understanding these points lets you enjoy the tension of a rain‑affected match without getting frustrated by the math. The DLS method aims to keep the outcome fair, so both teams have a real chance to win, even when the weather interrupts.
Next time you hear “DLS” on the broadcast, you’ll know it’s just a resource‑based way to reset the chase. It isn’t perfect, but it’s the best tool cricket has for making rain‑hit games competitive and exciting.