By Dwayne Ferreira
In a contest defined as much by the overhead clouds as the action on the pitch, England edged out Sri Lanka by 11 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. While rain played a frustrating role throughout the evening at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, the night will be remembered for a historic intervention by Sam Curran, who became only the second Englishman to claim a T20I hat-trick.
After a delayed start saw the match reduced to 17 overs per side, Sri Lanka initially looked set for a competitive total. Kusal Mendis provided early impetus with a sharp 37 off 20 balls, and the hosts were cruising at 75-1.
However, the introduction of Adil Rashid (3/19) changed the complexion of the innings. The veteran leg-spinner spun a web through the middle order, triggering a collapse that saw the hosts lose their way. The final blow came from Sam Curran, who etched his name into the history books with a stunning hat-trick in the 16th over—dismissing Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana—to bundle Sri Lanka out for 133.
Chasing a revised target, England’s Phil Salt didn’t waste a second. He launched a six off the very first ball of the innings, signaling England’s intent. Salt’s blistering 46 off 35 balls anchored the chase, while Tom Banton provided the nitro with a quick-fire 29.
Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga (2/24) provided some resistance, bowling Jos Buttler for 17, but England remained comfortably ahead of the required rate. When the heavens opened for the final time in the 15th over, England stood at 125/4. With the DLS par score at 114, the officials called the game, handing the tourists a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka – 133 all out in 16.2 overs (Kusal Mendis 37, Pathum Nissanka 23, Dasun Shanaka 20; Adil Rashid 3/19, Sam Curran 3/38, Jamie Overton 2/17)
England – 125 for 4 in 15 overs (target 115 DLS) (Phil Salt 46, Tom Banton 29, Jos Buttler 17; Eshan Malinga 2/24)
Player of the Match: Adil Rashid
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