Sam Curran's Hat-Trick Seals England's Thrilling DLS Win Over Sri Lanka
England secured a dramatic 11-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international, with Sam Curran's spectacular late hat-trick and Phil Salt's composed 46 proving decisive in a rain-affected contest at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The visitors triumphed via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after persistent showers disrupted play, setting up an early series lead in this three-match encounter.
Rain Interruptions and Revised Target
Unseasonal rainfall delayed the start and reduced the match to 17 overs per side, with England chasing a revised target of 134 runs. The lush green venue, flanked by picturesque hills, provided a stunning backdrop despite the challenging weather conditions that forced six overs to be chalked off before the first ball was bowled.
Rashid's Masterclass Triggers Sri Lankan Collapse
The foundation for England's victory was laid by the evergreen brilliance of Adil Rashid, whose masterful leg-spin yielded three crucial wickets for just 19 runs. The 37-year-old veteran combined effectively with Liam Dawson's left-arm spin to orchestrate a dramatic middle-order collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose five wickets for a mere 22 runs.
Rashid's standout moment came during his working over of Dhananjaya de Silva, whom he completely bamboozled with a series of googlies before the batsman mistimed a sweep to Curran in the deep. Dawson complemented this effort with two wickets of his own, including a skidding delivery that trapped Janith Liyanage leg before wicket.
Curran's Remarkable Redemption
Sam Curran's day began inauspiciously as he conceded 16 runs from his first over and was later dispatched for 20 more in his second spell, including a six off his experimental moon ball variation. However, the Surrey all-rounder staged a remarkable comeback in the death overs, claiming three wickets in consecutive deliveries to become only the second Englishman to achieve a T20 international hat-trick.
Curran's historic moment arrived when he clean bowled Matheesha Pathirana to complete his treble, having previously dismissed Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana as they attempted to clear the boundary. Despite conceding runs at nearly 13 per over, Curran's late intervention proved match-defining.
Salt Anchors Chase Despite Early Jitters
Phil Salt, playing his first match against Sri Lanka despite accumulating over 80 England caps, displayed characteristic aggression at the top of the order. The opener bludgeoned 14 runs from his first three deliveries against Theekshana's variations, setting a positive tone for the chase.
England's pursuit appeared to be progressing smoothly when Jos Buttler struck four consecutive boundaries off Eshan Malinga's first over, but the Sri Lankan seamer responded with a perfectly executed off-cutter that bowled the England captain. When Salt swatted Wanindu Hasaranga towards deep midwicket on 17, another collapse seemed imminent, but Kamil Mishara spilled a straightforward catch that proved costly.
Banton's Vital Contribution
Tom Banton, playing his first innings of the tour, provided crucial stability during the middle overs with a brisk 29 from just 15 deliveries. The Somerset batter calmed mounting tension with consecutive reverse-sweeps against Hasaranga, the second travelling all the way for six, leaving England requiring 48 runs from the final 48 balls at the drinks break.
Although Banton fell attempting to accelerate against Pathirana, his contribution proved invaluable in setting up a manageable equation. Sri Lanka's fielding errors continued to haunt them as they dropped another catch that would have dismissed Harry Brook, with Pathirana particularly unfortunate to finish with figures of 1-18 from his four overs despite excellent bowling.
Archer's Encouraging Return
In a significant subplot, Jofra Archer made his long-awaited return to international cricket following his recovery from injury. The pace spearhead, playing his first match since the third Ashes Test, showed promising signs despite not claiming a wicket, beating the bat regularly and generating appreciable bounce in his opening spell.
Looking Ahead
England's victory gives them early momentum in the series, though concerns remain about their middle-order stability after Salt's departure in the 15th over created late tension. Sri Lanka will rue their fielding lapses and middle-order collapse, but can take encouragement from Pathirana's economical bowling and Malinga's clever variations. The teams now prepare for the second T20 at the same venue, with England aiming to secure the series and Sri Lanka seeking immediate redemption.
