Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs in the first ODI on Sunday, with the match’s outcome decided under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after rain interrupted play. Pakistan, chasing a revised target of 206, found themselves struggling at 60 for 6 after 21 overs, when rain brought the match to a halt.
The DLS method then came into play to determine the final result.
What is the DLS Method?
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is a mathematical formula used to calculate revised targets in limited-overs cricket matches that are interrupted by weather or other conditions. The method aims to adjust for the loss of time and overs, ensuring a fair contest for both teams.
Under the DLS method, the target is recalculated based on the resources available to both teams—resources are determined by the number of overs remaining and the number of wickets in hand. The formula for calculating a revised target is generally expressed as:
Team 2’s par score = Team 1’s score × (Team 2’s resources / Team 1’s resources)
This formula ensures that the team batting second is given a fair chance to chase the adjusted target, considering the time and overs they have lost due to rain delays.
In Pakistan’s case, after the rain break, they were required to chase 206 runs, but with only 21 overs to play. Despite the revised target, their batting collapsed under pressure, leading to their defeat by 80 runs.
