What is the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method?
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is the official mathematical system used by cricket's governing bodies to set revised targets in limited-overs matches when the action is interrupted by rain or other weather. Originally developed by statisticians Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis in the 1990s, the method was updated and extended by Professor Steven Stern in 2014, adding the "S" to the acronym.
The fundamental problem DLS solves is this: if Team A bats 50 overs and scores 280 runs, and Team B then loses 10 overs of their chase to rain, a simple "deduct the least productive overs" approach undervalues Team B's remaining resources — specifically, the wickets still in hand that allow them to take greater risks. DLS accounts for both remaining overs and remaining wickets simultaneously, producing a target that reflects the expected run rate in both situations.
How the calculation works (in plain English)
Each team starts an innings with a "resource percentage" of 100%, representing the full combination of overs and wickets available. As overs pass and wickets fall, resources reduce. When overs are lost to rain, the DLS method calculates the resource percentage that is taken away, then adjusts Team B's target accordingly.
The precise figures come from a published table (the "DLS table") maintained by the ICC. Scorers and match officials apply the table in real time. The formula ensures that a team chasing with fewer overs but a full complement of wickets is given a harder target than a team that has used up seven wickets in the same overs remaining.
Minimum overs for a result
For a DLS result to be valid, a minimum number of overs must be completed. In 50-over cricket (including the IPL and ICC events) the minimum is typically 20 overs for the team batting second. In T20 cricket it is usually 6 overs. These are default ICC minimums; individual competition regulations can set stricter thresholds.
If the minimum is not reached, the match is generally declared "No Result" and match-winner bets are voided by most UKGC-licensed operators. Check the specific operator's cricket rules before placing, as they occasionally offer "abandonment insurance" markets that pay out even on a void.
What DLS means for your bets
This is what most cricket bettors actually want to know. Here is a breakdown by market type:
Match-winner (Team A vs Team B vs Draw — Test / Team A vs Team B — ODI/T20)
If the minimum overs are completed and a DLS target is set, the match plays out to a conclusion — either Team B reaches the target or does not. Your bet settles on the DLS result. Most UK bookmakers explicitly state in their cricket rules that DLS is used for settlement purposes, and results are generally final within minutes of the match ending.
Innings totals (over/under runs)
If an innings is curtailed before completion, markets on the total runs in that innings are typically voided unless the operator has established a settlement point that was reached before the stoppage. Many operators will state explicitly: "Settled on first 50 overs of an innings" or similar. If the innings does not reach the settlement threshold, the bet is refunded.
Over-by-over markets
If a specific over's market was settled before the action was suspended (for example, runs in overs 1–6 of an ODI power-period, which was completed before rain arrived), that bet stands. Markets on overs that were never bowled — for example, overs 41–50 of a match reduced to 40 overs — are voided. There is no DLS adjustment for this category; the over simply was never bowled.
Player performance markets
Top batsman and player milestone markets (will Player X score a century?) are generally voided if the player's innings is cut short by rain before the milestone threshold is reached. If the player was dismissed before the rain interruption occurred, the bet stands on the pre-rain result regardless of subsequent DLS adjustment.
Live-betting markets
Live markets are typically suspended the moment a rain delay is called. If your live-betting bet was accepted and confirmed before suspension, settlement rules are as described above for each market type. Bets placed during a delay are generally cancelled by the operator pending resumption.
Common DLS betting scenarios
Scenario 1 — first-innings total voided. England bat first in an ODI, score 240 in 40 overs, and rain cuts the innings. Team A's innings total bet is voided because the innings did not reach 50 overs. The match then continues under DLS rules for Team B's chase.
Scenario 2 — match reduced, completed under DLS. England score 280 in 50 overs. The opposition's chase is reduced to 35 overs due to a rain delay, with a DLS target of 218. The match is played to a conclusion; match-winner bets settle on the result.
Scenario 3 — minimum overs not reached. An IPL game is abandoned after 14 overs of the second innings. The minimum of 6 overs is satisfied, but the ground rules require 10 overs for a DLS result; the match is declared No Result and all fixed-odds bets are voided.
How to protect your cricket bets from weather risk
Some operators offer early cash-out on match-winner markets before rain arrives. If your team is in a winning position and weather is threatening, cashing out part of your stake locks in profit regardless of abandonment. Alternatively, backing the "No Result" where offered provides insurance against a void. These instruments vary significantly between bookmakers — another reason to use a cricket-specialist review source like StratfordReel when choosing where to bet.