‘A fair result in foul weather’: the statistical boffins helping cricket defy the rain gods | Martin Pegan

If rain stops play in the T20 World Cup final, a fair result will depend on Professor Steve Stern, the Australian data analyst charged with cricket’s complex and controversial DLS system

It has taken 32 years for South Africa to vanquish the demons of a rain-affected semi-final defeat to England and finally secure a spot in the decider at a men’s World Cup. Six more doses of semi-final suffering followed that initial heartbreak at the 1992 ODI tournament , when heavy showers and a quickly discredited rain rule ended South Africa’s hopes of a triumphant return to the global stage.

Chasing England’s target of 253, South Africa needed 22 runs from 13 balls when rain interrupted play at the SCG. After the skies cleared and play was set to resume, England’s two lowest-scoring overs were wiped from their total and the recalculations reduced South Africa’s target to 21… from one delivery. Continue reading...


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