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.
Lord's rain‑affected match: what you need to know
Ever watched a game at Lord's and seen the sky open up? It can feel like the match stops in its tracks, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. In this guide we’ll break down why rain matters so much at the Home of Cricket, how the Duckworth‑Lewis method steps in, and which games have become legend because of a sudden downpour.
Why rain matters at Lord's
Lord's isn’t just any ground – its pitch, outfield, and even the famous slope affect how the ball behaves. When water hits the surface, the pitch can turn from fast and true to slow and sticky in minutes. Batsmen lose confidence, bowlers get extra grip, and fielding can become a slog. That’s why teams always keep an eye on the weather forecast and the ground staff work nonstop to cover the field.
Fans also feel the impact. A rain‑delayed start means fewer tickets sold, longer waiting times, and sometimes a reduced innings length. Broadcasters have to adjust schedules, and sponsors may see less exposure. All of this adds pressure on the players – they have to stay focused while the clouds gather.
How the Duckworth‑Lewis method works
If the rain forces a reduction in overs, the Duckworth‑Lewis (D/L) method kicks in. It’s a math formula that looks at the resources each side has left – mainly overs and wickets. The goal is to set a fair target for the team batting second.
Here’s a quick rundown in plain language: say Team A made 250 runs in 50 overs. Rain cuts the second innings to 30 overs. The D/L calculator will tell Team B they need, for example, 180 runs to win, taking into account the lost overs. The numbers may look odd, but they aim to keep the contest balanced.
Most fans find the numbers confusing, but a simple tip helps – focus on the “par score”. If your team is above the par line, they’re on track. If they’re below, they need to accelerate.
Several Lord’s matches have become famous because of rain. In 2019, England versus Sri Lanka saw the second day washed out, and the D/L target shifted dramatically, turning a likely win into a close finish. Earlier, the 2015 Ashes Test was reduced to a single innings each, and the outcome hinged on how both captains managed their bowlers in the shortened spell.
So what can you do as a viewer? Keep a weather app handy, follow live D/L updates on the scoreboard, and remember that a rain‑affected match often rewards the team that adapts quickest. Teams that change their batting order, bring on attacking bowlers early, or use the powerplay wisely usually come out on top.
In short, rain at Lord's isn’t just a nuisance – it reshapes strategy, thrills fans, and creates stories that last for years. The next time you hear the rain clouds rumble over the Pavilion, you’ll know exactly why the game feels so different and how the rules keep the contest fair.