Pakistan beat New Zealand in a high scoring thriller in CWC 2023 with the help of DLS method. No doubt Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam were striking the bowl clean but had the match been played for 50 overs full, New Zealand could have made a comeback. But Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method ensured the victory for team Pakistan. Let us know more about this DLS method in detail.
What is the DLS Method?
The DLS method is a clever mathematical tool created by two English statisticians, Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis, in 1997. It was later updated by Australian academic Steve Stern in 2015, leading to its current name, the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method. This method is used to calculate a target score for the team batting second when a cricket match gets disrupted by weather or other unexpected events.
How Does the DLS Method Work?
The DLS method considers a few key factors to determine a fair target score for the team batting second. These factors include the number of runs scored by the team batting first, the number of overs remaining in the match, and the number of wickets lost by the team batting first. These factors can significantly impact the scoring rate and ultimately decide the outcome of the game.
The DLS method calculates the target score using a formula that takes into account the average score a team would make in a given number of overs and the average number of runs lost per wicket, based on historical data. In simple terms:
Target Score = (Average score at par – Average score per wicket lost by the team batting first) * Overs remaining in the match
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Advantages of the DLS Method
The DLS method has several advantages that make it a valuable tool in cricket:
1. Fair and Objective: It’s based on historical data, making it a fair and objective method.
2. Easy to Calculate: It’s relatively easy to calculate, even without a computer.
3. Flexibility: It can be used in various match situations, adapting to the circumstances.
Disadvantages of the DLS Method
However, the DLS method is not without its drawbacks:
1. Complexity: It can be challenging to understand, especially for those who are new to cricket.
2. Inaccuracy: In certain situations, like when the team batting first loses many wickets early in the match, it may provide inaccurate target scores.
3. Changing Weather: It can be challenging to implement in matches where the weather conditions are constantly changing.
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Examples of the DLS Method in Action
The DLS method has played a crucial role in deciding the outcomes of rain-affected cricket matches. Here are two real-life examples:
1. 2019 Cricket World Cup Final: England was batting first when rain interrupted the match after 24.1 overs. England had scored 222/2. The DLS method set a target of 241 runs for New Zealand, who had 49 overs to score. However, New Zealand only managed 241 runs in 46.1 overs, and England won by one run.
2. 2021 Indian Premier League: A match between the Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad was interrupted after 18.4 overs. The Delhi Capitals had scored 159/3. The DLS method determined a target of 162 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who had 17.2 overs to achieve it. Sunrisers Hyderabad fell short, scoring 157 runs in 17.2 overs, and the Delhi Capitals won by four runs.
The DLS method, named after its creators Duckworth, Lewis, and Stern, is a mathematical formula used to calculate fair target scores in rain-affected cricket matches. While it has its share of advantages and disadvantages, it’s the most accurate and reliable method to ensure fairness in these situations. It has become an essential tool in modern cricket, ensuring that matches are decided fairly, no matter the weather.
