A method to calculate the target score in rain interrupted limited over cricket matches

When interrupted by rain or other causes, the number of overs assigned to the affected innings of a limited over cricket game has to be reduced. This reduction of number of overs results in reducing the number of overs allocated to team batting second and necessitates adjusting their target score. The target score calculation method currently in use is based on a set of heuristic curves and parameters developed using the scoring patterns of past matches of all teams in the world. Such target score calculation is not fair considering the accuracy of the target score needed in most of the matches where there is a close finish. In this paper, we introduce a new method that circumvents this problem. In our approach, rather than using a set of curves or tables provided by the cricketing authorities, the teams are free to use their own tables that can reflect their performance patterns. Since the teams and team management are empowered to plan and prepare their own tables, the outcome of an interrupted match will be fair.