Rain-Reduced Target Calculator for Local Cricket
Use the full quota if they were all out
Revised target
92
Par score (tie)
91
Required run rate
7.67
How the average run rate method works
The method assumes the chasing side should score at the same rate as the side batting first. Team 1's runs are scaled by the share of overs Team 2 will receive. The par score is the scaled total rounded down, and the target is one more than par.
Its weakness, and how to make it fairer
This method ignores wickets. A chasing side with ten wickets and only 12 overs can attack from ball one, which makes the target easier than it looks. That is the problem the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method solves by treating overs and wickets together as “resources”. DLS needs official software, though, so most local games use a simple agreed method instead.
The fairest local approach is to agree the rain rule before the toss, write it down, and stick to it. Some leagues add a small uplift to the target, or use the most productive overs method (Team 2 must beat the runs Team 1 scored in its best overs). Our guide to rain-shortened matches compares these options with examples.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as DLS?
No. DLS accounts for wickets as well as overs and is calculated with official software. This calculator uses the simple average run rate method, which many local and school matches use because everyone can check it by hand.
What if Team 1's innings was also shortened?
Enter the overs Team 1 actually had available. If they were all out, enter the full overs they were allotted, because being bowled out counts as using the whole innings.
What happens if Team 2 scores exactly the par score?
The match is a tie on the revised calculation. Many local competitions then use a super over or share the points, so agree the tie rule before the match too.