Sam Curran's Hat-Trick and Phil Salt's Knock Secure England's DLS Victory Over Sri Lanka
England secured a hard-fought 11-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international, triumphing via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after rain interruptions disrupted play at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The win was set up by a late hat-trick from Sam Curran and a composed innings from opener Phil Salt, giving Harry Brook's side an early lead in the three-match series.
Rain-Affected Contest and Key Performances
Unseasonal rain delayed the start of the match, reducing the contest to 17 overs per side. Sri Lanka, batting first, posted a total of 133 all out, largely due to a middle-order collapse triggered by Adil Rashid's masterful leg-spin. The veteran bowler claimed three wickets for just 19 runs, dismantling the hosts' lineup as they lost five wickets for a mere 22 runs.
England's chase was anchored by Phil Salt, who scored 46 runs, while Tom Banton provided crucial momentum with a brisk 29 from just 15 deliveries. The tourists reached 125 for 4 when further rain halted play, with nine runs needed from 12 balls, resulting in an official DLS victory.
Curran's Dramatic Hat-Trick and Sri Lanka's Fielding Lapses
Sam Curran, despite an expensive start conceding 36 runs from his first two overs, redeemed himself spectacularly by taking a hat-trick in the final over of Sri Lanka's innings. He dismissed Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana with caught efforts before clean-bowling Matheesha Pathirana to become only the second Englishman to achieve a T20 hat-trick.
Sri Lanka's fielding errors proved costly, with two dropped catches—including a straightforward chance off Salt early in his innings—allowing England to maintain their chase. Pathirana was particularly economical, conceding only 18 runs from his four overs, but the hosts' mistakes in the field undermined their efforts.
Broader Context and Series Implications
This match marked Jofra Archer's return to international cricket after injury, showing promising signs despite not taking a wicket. The lush setting of Pallekele, with its green banks and scenic hills, provided a picturesque backdrop, though the weather played a significant role in the outcome.
With this victory, England take a 1-0 lead in the series, building momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The performance highlighted both the depth of England's bowling attack, with contributions from Rashid and Liam Dawson, and the batting resilience needed in rain-affected conditions.
