Sam Curran becomes second English cricketer to take T20I hat-trick:England defeated Sri Lanka by 11 runs via DLS in first match; ENG lead series 1-0

England made a winning start to their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, defeating the hosts by 11 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the opening match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Friday. However, Sam Curran becomes the second English cricketer to record a hat-trick in the T20I format. Earlier, Chris Jordan achieved this feat against the USA in the T20 World Cup 2024. The match was heavily affected by rain, which delayed the start and forced officials to reduce the contest to 17 overs per side. Despite multiple interruptions, England managed to stay ahead of the DLS par score and were declared winners when rain stopped play for the final time. With this victory, England now lead the series 1-0, while Sri Lanka will look to bounce back in the second T20I, scheduled to be played at the same venue on February 1. England bowlers shine after choosing to field After winning the toss, the England captain opted to bowl first, a decision that proved to be spot on. The English bowlers put in a disciplined performance and bowled Sri Lanka out for 133 runs in 16.2 overs. Also read: India’s last match before T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson’s form a major concern, Suryakumar Yadav nears Rohit Sharma’s record Kusal Mendis was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 37 runs, while Pathum Nissanka contributed 23. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to handle England’s bowling attack. Sam Curran and Adil Rashid were the standout performers, picking up three wickets each. Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson also made important contributions, claiming two wickets apiece. Sam Curran registers a hat-trick against Sri Lanka The highlight of the innings came in the 16th over when Sam Curran produced a stunning hat-trick. He dismissed Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, followed by Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana on the final three balls of the over. With this effort, Curran became only the second England bowler to take a hat-trick in T20 International cricket. The first was Chris Jordan, who achieved the feat in 2024. England stay ahead before rain ends the match Chasing a target of 134, England got off to a steady start. Opener Phil Salt played a key role, scoring 46 runs off 35 balls, while Tom Banton added quick runs with a 29 off just 15 deliveries. England were 125 for 4 in 15 overs when rain returned and play was eventually called off. At that stage, England were well ahead of the DLS target, resulting in an 11-run win. For Sri Lanka, Ishan Malinga took two wickets, while Mahesh Theekshana and Dasun Shanaka picked up one wicket each. Also read: KL Rahul’s fifty, Akash Deep’s fifer headline Ranji Trophy action: Mavi takes seven wickets for Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai’s Siddhesh Lad hits century Adil Rashid awarded POTM, bags three wickets in his 4 overs Adil Rashid delivered an excellent bowling spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 19 in his four overs. His economical and wicket-taking performance earned him the Player of the Match award. The second T20I of the series will be played in Pallekele on February 1, where Sri Lanka will aim to level the series and England will look to seal early momentum.