England made a winning start to their three-match Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka with an 11-run victory via the DLS method in the opening encounter at Pallekele, thanks largely to a sensational late burst from Sam Curran, who claimed only the second hat-trick in England’s T20I history.
In a match disrupted by rain and reduced overs, England once again underlined their dominance over Sri Lanka in the shortest format, extending their winning streak against the hosts to nine consecutive T20 internationals, a run stretching back to 2016.
Curran’s Late Surge Turns the Match
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 133 in 16.2 overs, with England’s bowling unit working in tandem to dismantle the home side. The turning point came late in the innings when left-arm seamer Sam Curran, who had endured a difficult start, delivered a devastating over that completely derailed Sri Lanka’s hopes of posting a challenging total.
Curran removed Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, followed by Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana, all in successive deliveries during the 16th over. The remarkable spell saw Curran finish with figures of 3-38, an impressive recovery after conceding 36 runs in his first two overs.
It marked England’s second T20I hat-trick, following Chris Jordan’s feat at the 2024 T20 World Cup, and capped off Curran’s impressive resurgence on the international stage.
Spinners Set the Platform
Before Curran’s fireworks, England’s spinners had already laid the groundwork by slicing through Sri Lanka’s middle order. Adil Rashid was outstanding, claiming 3-19, while Liam Dawson provided excellent support with 2-31, applying relentless pressure through the middle overs.
Sri Lanka appeared well placed early on, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting together a fluent 52-run partnership in just 28 balls. Mendis top-scored with 37 off 20 deliveries, striking the ball cleanly as the hosts raced to 76-1 in the eighth over.
However, once Rashid and Dawson came into the attack, the momentum shifted dramatically. England took wickets in five consecutive overs, slowing the scoring rate and forcing Sri Lanka into risky strokes.
Sri Lanka Collapse After Promising Start
Captain Dasun Shanaka attempted to counterattack, smashing two towering sixes, including one off Jofra Archer, who returned to the England side after recovering from a side strain. But Shanaka’s resistance was short-lived, as Curran cut short his innings with the first ball of his hat-trick.
From that moment, Sri Lanka’s collapse was swift and severe. Jamie Overton, who had earlier removed Kamil Mishara, returned to clean up the tail, including the wicket of Wanindu Hasaranga, as the hosts lost their final four wickets for just four runs.
Rain earlier in the day had reduced the match to 17 overs per side, making late wickets even more costly for Sri Lanka.
England Chase with Confidence
England’s reply began confidently, led by the aggressive intent of Phil Salt, who continued to underline his status as one of the most dangerous T20 openers in world cricket.
Salt smashed 46 from 35 balls, setting the tone at the top with fearless stroke play. He launched Maheesh Theekshana for a six followed by consecutive boundaries in the opening overs, putting immediate pressure on Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
Captain Jos Buttler briefly looked ominous, hammering Eshan Malinga for four successive fours before being bowled in the third over. Malinga struck again soon after, removing Jacob Bethell for nine to keep Sri Lanka in the contest.
Missed Chances Hurt Sri Lanka
Salt rode his luck during his innings, surviving three dropped chances on 17, 27, and 41, with Nissanka, Mishara, and Dhananjaya de Silva all failing to take opportunities that could have shifted momentum.
Tom Banton added excitement with back-to-back sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga, but was dismissed by a brilliant catch from Charith Asalanka in the covers off Pathirana.
With England cruising towards victory, Salt eventually chipped Shanaka to long-on, but the outcome was already all but decided.
Rain Ends Proceedings Early
Rain returned with England needing nine runs from 12 balls, prompting the umpires to bring the match to a close under the DLS method, confirming England’s 11-run victory.
The result gave England a 1-0 lead in the series and reinforced their strong white-ball form after winning the preceding ODI series 2-1.
Curran’s Comeback Continues
Curran’s performance represented another milestone in his international comeback. The Surrey all-rounder returned to England duty in September after excelling in The Hundred for Oval Invincibles and reinventing parts of his bowling, including a deceptive slow delivery nicknamed the “moon ball”.
Though unnecessary for his hat-trick, Curran’s ability to adapt and remain composed under pressure continues to make him a key figure in England’s World Cup plans.
World Cup Preparation on Track
England are clearly using this series to prepare for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where spin-friendly conditions will demand adaptability and patience. While Sri Lanka relied heavily on pace, England’s exposure to turning tracks and varied bowling attacks will serve them well.
The second T20I will take place at Pallekele on Sunday, with England aiming to wrap up the series early.
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