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| Sam Curran celebrates his hat-trick |
England began their T20I series against Sri Lanka with a hard-fought and dramatic win, as Sam Curran’s stunning hat-trick and a disciplined spin performance helped them secure an 11-run victory via DLS method in a rain-affected first T20I at Pallekele on January 30, 2026.
The match had everything—rain delays, momentum shifts, spin dominance, dropped catches, and a late burst of brilliance that turned the game on its head. While Sri Lanka started strongly, England’s experience and composure under pressure ultimately made the difference.
Rain Delays and a Reduced Contest
Persistent rain before the start delayed proceedings by around 90 minutes, forcing officials to reduce the match to 17 overs per side. England won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping their bowlers could exploit the damp conditions and a slightly tacky surface.
The overcast skies and slick outfield suggested runs would be available early, but gripping the ball—especially for spinners—would become increasingly tricky as the game progressed.
Sri Lanka’s Flying Start Raises Hopes
Sri Lanka could not have asked for a better start. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis attacked England’s pace bowlers with confidence, racing to 75 for 1 inside the first seven overs. Timing was clean, intent was clear, and the hosts looked on course for a big total despite the reduced overs.
Kusal Mendis, in particular, looked fluent from the start. He punished anything short or overpitched, picking gaps with ease and using the fast outfield to full effect. England’s bowlers struggled for control during this phase, with Sam Curran conceding heavily in his opening spell.
At that stage, Sri Lanka appeared set for a total well beyond 150—more than competitive in a shortened game.
Spin Turns the Match on Its Head
The turning point arrived when England captain Harry Brook turned to his spinners. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson completely changed the course of the match with a spell of smart, controlled bowling that exposed Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Rashid struck first, removing Nissanka with a top-edged slog that looped safely to the deep. That wicket triggered a collapse Sri Lanka never recovered from.
From overs 8 to 12, England’s spinners operated like a well-drilled unit—varying pace, flight, and angles while choking the flow of runs. Dawson dismissed Charith Asalanka with a sharp catch in the deep, while Rashid sent back Kusal Mendis, whose promising innings ended on 37 off 20 balls.
The wickets kept coming. Dhananjaya de Silva, Pavan Liyanage, and others fell attempting risky shots as frustration set in. Rashid finished with excellent figures of 3 for 19, once again underlining his importance ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Sam Curran’s Redemption and Hat-Trick Heroics
Sam Curran’s night was a story of redemption. After being taken apart early—his first two overs cost 35 runs—he looked under pressure. Kusal Mendis even launched his slower-ball variation, the now-famous “moonball,” into the stands.
But Curran showed his mental toughness.
Returning later in the innings, with Sri Lanka already wobbling, he produced one of the most memorable spells of his T20I career.
First, Dasun Shanaka was dismissed trying to force the pace. Then came Maheesh Theekshana, who fell attempting a wild swing. With the crowd buzzing, Curran delivered the perfect full ball to Matheesha Pathirana, knocking back his stumps to complete a sensational hat-trick.
It was England’s first T20I hat-trick since 2024 and Curran’s third in his t20 career —a huge personal moment after doubts earlier in his career about his place in England’s white-ball setup.
Sri Lanka, who once looked set for a big total, were bowled out for 133, losing nine wickets for just 57 runs.
England’s Chase: Early Wobbles
Chasing a DLS-adjusted target, England’s innings did not start smoothly either.
Both Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell were dismissed early by Eshan Malinga, giving Sri Lanka hope of an unlikely comeback. England found themselves under pressure as the asking rate hovered awkwardly.
Then came a key moment that shifted the balance again.
A Costly Drop and Phil Salt’s Calm Knock
Phil Salt was dropped at deep midwicket off Wanindu Hasaranga’s very first ball—a mistake that proved expensive. Salt made Sri Lanka pay by anchoring the innings with a calm and controlled knock.
He rotated the strike well, picked the right balls to attack, and ensured England stayed ahead of the required rate. Salt eventually scored 46 off 35 balls, falling just short of a half-century but doing more than enough to steady the chase.
His innings showcased maturity and clarity—qualities England value highly in T20 cricket.
Tom Banton’s Impactful Cameo
While Salt held one end, Tom Banton provided the spark. Promoted to No.4 in the absence of the injured Ben Duckett, Banton played a fearless cameo, smashing 29 off just 15 balls.
His intent relieved pressure instantly, forcing Sri Lanka’s bowlers to adjust their lines. Even after his dismissal, the damage had been done. England were firmly on track.
Pathirana and Malinga Keep Sri Lanka Alive
Sri Lanka did not give up easily. Matheesha Pathirana, despite going wicketless, bowled with pace and menace, troubling England’s batters with his slingy action. Eshan Malinga also impressed early, showing good control in the powerplay.
However, the lack of runs on the board meant Sri Lanka needed wickets in clusters—and those never came.
Rain Ends the Contest
As rain returned and groundstaff rushed out with the covers, England were nine runs short of the original target but 11 runs ahead of the DLS par score.
With conditions worsening and the outfield already slippery, officials had no choice but to call off the match, handing England a deserved victory.
Archer’s Encouraging Comeback
One of the quieter positives for England was the return of Jofra Archer. Fresh from a side strain that ruled him out of the final Ashes Tests, Archer looked sharp and fit, clocking speeds above 90mph.
Despite the wet conditions, he bowled with control and aggression, conceding very little and creating chances. His successful comeback will be a major boost for England heading deeper into the season.
Overton’s Underrated Spell
While Curran and Rashid grabbed headlines, Jamie Overton quietly delivered an excellent spell, finishing with 2 for 17. His heavy lengths proved difficult to hit, and he removed key batters at crucial moments.
Overton’s contribution further highlighted England’s growing depth in white-ball bowling.
What This Win Means for England
This victory continues England’s strong run in T20I cricket and reinforces their reputation as a side that thrives in chaotic, pressure-filled situations.
Key positives include:
Sam Curran’s return to form
Adil Rashid’s consistency
Archer’s successful comeback
Strong middle-order batting from Salt and Banton
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, England will be pleased with how their combinations are shaping up.
Sri Lanka’s Takeaways
For Sri Lanka, the match will feel like a missed opportunity. Their top-order dominance showed promise, but the collapse exposed ongoing issues against quality spin.
Improving shot selection in the middle overs and finding better balance between aggression and control will be crucial going forward.
Conclusion
The first T20I at Pallekele was a reminder of why cricket remains so unpredictable. A game Sri Lanka once dominated slipped away due to disciplined bowling, smart captaincy, and one unforgettable hat-trick from Sam Curran.
England may not have been perfect, but they were composed when it mattered most—and that, once again, made all the difference.
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