England's Curran Steals Show, Takes Hat-trick in Rain-Affected Win

Sam Curran's stunning hat-trick led England to an 11-run win over Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened T20I series opener in Pallekele. Curran took three wickets in three balls, dismissing Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana, to finish with 3-38. England's decision to bowl first seemed shrewd initially, but Sri Lanka's explosive start (75/1 in 7 overs) had them in control. However, Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson sparked a dramatic collapse, with 5 wickets in 5 overs, reducing Sri Lanka to 132/6. This set the stage for Sam Curran's hat-trick heroics, sealing England's 11-run win. England's innings had its share of ups and downs, with Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell falling to Eshan Malinga's pace in the powerplay. Phil Salt was dropped by Kamil Mishara at deep midwicket off Wanindu Hasaranga's first delivery, but he made the most of it, scoring 46 off 35 balls. Matheesha Pathirana was a constant threat with his 90mph slingers, bowling like his idol Lasith Malinga. Sam Curran's evening was a rollercoaster ride, bouncing back from a tough start to claim England's first T20I hat-trick since Chris Jordan in 2024. He conceded 35 runs in his first two overs, with Kusal Mendis hitting him for two sixes in three balls. However, Curran turned the game around, taking wickets of Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana in three consecutive deliveries, securing England's 11-run win over Sri Lanka. Adil Rashid also shone with 3-19, while Phil Salt anchored England's chase with 46 off 35 balls. The win gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, serving as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup. England 125 for 4 (Salt 46) beat Sri Lanka 133 (Kusal 37, Rashid 3-19, Curran 3-38) by 11 runs - DLS