“Curran joins an elite list of English bowlers with a T20I hat-trick, leaving fans in awe.”
England defeated Sri Lanka by 11 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The match was shortened due to rain, and England won under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Sri Lanka batted first and were restricted to 133 all out in 17 overs. Kusal Mendis scored 37 and Pathum Nissanka made 23, but a middle-order collapse prevented a bigger total.
Sam Curran starred for England with a sensational hat-trick, dismissing Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana in consecutive deliveries. Adil Rashid also bowled well, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs and triggering the collapse. England’s bowlers kept constant pressure, not allowing Sri Lanka to build partnerships.
In reply, England reached 125 for 4 in 15 overs to secure victory on the DLS method. Phil Salt top-scored with 46 runs, supported by Tom Banton’s 29, guiding the chase before rain stopped play.
With this win, England take a 1–0 lead in the series. The second T20I is scheduled for Sunday, 1 February 2026, at the same venue, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next exciting match.