The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is a mathematical formulation designed to calculate the target score for the team batting second in a limited overs cricket match interrupted by weather or other circumstances. The DLS method is an attempt to set a statistically fair target for the second teams innings, which is the same difficulty as the original target. The basic principle is that each team in a limited-overs match has two resources available with which to score runs (overs to play and wickets remaining), and the target is adjusted proportionally to the change in the combination of these two resources.

Here are some key points about the DLS method:

• The DLS method is used to calculate a statistically fair target for the team batting second in a limited overs cricket match interrupted by weather or other circumstances.
• The DLS method was first used in a match played between Zimbabwe versus England in 1996-97 and was approved by the ICC in 1999.
• The DLS method is an attempt to set a statistically fair target for the second teams innings, which is the same difficulty as the original target.
• The DLS method asserts that each team has two primary resources to score runs: the number of overs available and the number of wickets left.
• The DLS method can be used to calculate an adjusted target for Team 2 in case of interruptions at the start, end, and middle of an innings.
• In an ODI match, both teams must have faced at least 20 overs for the DLS method to be applicable unless one or both teams were bowled out earlier or the second team chased the score in less than 20 overs.

The DLS method was used in the 2023 Indian Premier League final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans when rain interrupted the match just after CSKs chase innings, causing a delay of over two hours. The DLS method was used to formulate a new score, and CSK were given a target of 171 to chase in 15 overs. The powerplay was reduced to 4 overs, and each bowler could bowl a maximum of 3 overs. Chennai Super Kings won by 5 wickets by the DLS method.