Sam Curran’s Hat-Trick Powers England to Victory Over Sri Lanka in T20 Opener
In a thrilling start to the T20 series, England triumphed over Sri Lanka by 11 runs using the DLS method. The match took place in Pallekele, where Sam Curran showcased his bowling prowess by achieving a hat-trick. This remarkable feat makes him only the second England bowler to accomplish this in men’s T20 internationals.
Match Highlights
Curran finished with figures of 3 for 38, wreaking havoc in the Sri Lankan batting lineup. His hat-trick occurred in the 16th over, taking the critical wickets of Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana in consecutive deliveries, followed by Matheesha Pathirana. This performance mirrored the accomplishment of his teammate Chris Jordan, who previously achieved a hat-trick against the USA during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Score Summary
| Team | Score | Top Scorer | Bowling Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 133 all out in 16.2 overs | Kusal Mendis (37 off 20) | Adil Rashid (3-19), Sam Curran (3-38), Jamie Overton (2-17) |
| England | 125-4 in 15 overs | Phil Salt (46 off 35) | Eshan Malinga (2-24), Dasun Shanaka (1-12), Matheesha Pathirana (1-18) |
Turning Points
Sri Lanka’s innings unraveled dramatically, losing five wickets in quick succession. They fell from a promising 129-6 to just 133 all out. Key players like Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka initially provided a solid foundation, but their efforts were undermined by outstanding spin bowling from Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson.
England made a strong start in their chase, reaching 125-4 before rain interrupted the match. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler were particularly effective, with Salt narrowly missing a half-century. England’s top order dictated the pace, scoring quickly in the early overs.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Second T20: Scheduled for Sunday, 1:30 PM UK
- Final T20: Tuesday, 1:30 PM UK
Looking Ahead
England now aims to secure the series win in the next match before both teams shift their focus to the T20 World Cup starting February 7. England will debut against Nepal in Mumbai, while Sri Lanka faces Ireland on the same day in Colombo.
As both teams prepare for the World Cup, Sri Lanka will need to regroup to build on their batting performance following this defeat. They will be looking to rectify their mistakes and regain momentum in the upcoming matches.
