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Sam Curran became the second England bowler to take a hat-trick in a men’s T20 international as his team beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs in a rain-curtailed series opener at Pallekele.
Curran (3-38) scored a total of 35 runs in the first two overs of the 17-over format, with Dasan Shanaka (20 off 16) and Mahish Tikshana (0) catching consecutive balls before bowling Mathesa Patialana (0).
The 27-year-old took a hat-trick in the 16th over to equal the feat achieved by Surrey teammate Chris Jordan, who took three wickets for England against the United States in Barbados during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka plummeted from 129-6 to 129-9 during Kuran’s outburst, and then two balls later, Jamie Overton (2-17) cleared Wanningdu Hasaranga (14) to end the innings at 133, with the home side collapsing from 76-2 after seven overs.
Sri Lanka lost five wickets in as many overs, all off the spin of either Adil Rashid (3-19) or Liam Dawson (2-31), once Pathum Nissanka (23 off 20) – who along with Kusal Mendis (37 off 20) plundered 52 second wickets off 28 balls – tops Rashid behind England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who is making his 401st appearance for the country. times, tying James Anderson’s record.
The home side bemoaned their slump and lost Phil Salt (46 off 35) in the 17th over chase – Kamil Mishara made a shocking mistake at midwicket – with England finishing at 125-4 after 15 overs before a downpour ended with Tom Bannon taking 29 from 15 balls and Harry Brooke Brook) scored 16 of 18 goals.
Phil Salt helps England achieve their goal with ease?
Salter and opening partner Buttler (17 off 10) put on 37 runs in 2.5 overs before the former was hit for four consecutive boundaries by Eshaun Malinga (2-24), who also took care of Jacob Besser (9 off 11), who was trapped at cover.
England will now look to wrap up the series with victory in Sunday’s second T20 ahead of Tuesday’s final match before both sides turn their attention to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on February 7, live broadcast sky sports.
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Liam Dawson, England, T20 cricket (PA Images)
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All time UK and Ireland
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All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports
- vs. Nepal (Sunday, February 8) – Mumbai (9.30am)
- vs. West Indies (Wednesday, February 11) – Mumbai (1.30pm)
- vs Scotland (Saturday 14 February) – Kolkata (9.30am)
- vs. Italy (Monday, February 16) – Kolkata (9.30am)
