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Curran's Hat-Trick, Rashid's Spin Lead England to Rain-Affected T20I Win Over Sri Lanka

England took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series with an 11-run victory over Sri Lanka via the DLS method in a rain-affected opener. Sam Curran made history by taking a hat-trick, becoming only the second Englishman to achieve the feat in T20Is. Despite Curran's heroics, Adil Rashid was named Player of the Match for his crucial spell of 3/19 that helped restrict Sri Lanka to 133. England's chase, led by Phil Salt's 46, was well ahead of the DLS par score when rain ended the match.

Key Points: England Beat Sri Lanka in T20I Opener via DLS Method

  • Sam Curran takes historic T20I hat-trick
  • Adil Rashid wins Player of the Match with 3/19
  • England win by 11 runs via DLS method
  • Phil Salt scores 46 in chase
2 min read

Adil Rashid's three-fer, Sam Curran's hat-trick hand England win against Sri Lanka in T20I series opener

Sam Curran takes a hat-trick and Adil Rashid claims 3/19 as England secure an 11-run win over Sri Lanka via DLS in the first T20I.

"The headline of the first innings was Sam Curran, who etched his name into the history books. - Match Report"

Pallekele, January 31

England secured an 11-run win over Sri Lanka via the DLS method to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series after a rain-affected series opener at Pallekele. Adil Rashid's three-wicket haul, along with Sam Curran's historic hat-trick, were the standout factors in the visitors' win.

After Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field, the match was initially reduced to 17 overs per side. England's bowlers capitalised on the damp conditions early, as Adil Rashid spun a web through the middle order to finish with 3/19 in 4 overs.

However, the headline of the first innings was Sam Curran, who etched his name into the history books by becoming only the second Englishman, after Chris Jordan, to claim a T20I hat-trick. Curran's clinical display saw him dismiss Dasun Shanaka (20 runs off 16 balls), Maheesh Theekshana (0), and Matheesha Pathirana (0) in consecutive deliveries to help England bundle Sri Lanka out for 133 in 16.2 overs, despite Kusal Mendis's brisk 37-run knock off 20 balls at No. 3.

England's chase was spearheaded by a good start from opener Phil Salt (46 off 35, including three boundaries and two sixes). While Eshan Malinga kept Sri Lanka's hopes alive by removing Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell in quick succession, Tom Banton provided the necessary late-innings impetus with a rapid 29 off 15 balls, hitting three boundaries and two maximums.

When the rain returned and forced the players off the field for the final time after 15 overs, England were well ahead of the DLS requirements at 125/4. With the par score set at 114, the officials called the game. Despite Curran's hat-trick, it was Adil Rashid who won the 'Player of the Match' award for his crucial 3/19 in 4 overs for the visitors.

With the series opener won, England will look to clinch the second match and pocket the three-match series when they face Sri Lanka on February 1.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Rashid getting Player of the Match over Curran who took a hat-trick? That's a bit surprising, no? But I guess his spell was more impactful in the context. Rain ruined what could have been a proper finish. Hope the next match has clear skies!
A
Aman W
Sri Lanka's batting is so inconsistent. One day they chase 200+, the next day they collapse for 133. They need to find some stability, especially in the middle order. Mendis played well, but no one stayed with him. Disappointing for the home fans.
P
Priyanka N
Good win for England, but let's be real, conditions were heavily in the bowler's favor. Damp pitch, rain interruptions... a proper T20 spectacle it was not. Hope the next game is a full 20-over slugfest with lots of sixes! 💥
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David E
Respectful criticism: The article focuses a lot on England (which is fair), but it barely mentions the Sri Lankan perspective or their bowling effort. Malinga took two quick wickets to make a game of it. A more balanced report would be better.
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Karthik V
Sam Curran is such a clever bowler. Not express pace, but uses his variations so well. He's a great asset in these conditions. England looks strong, but playing in Sri Lanka is always tricky. The Lankans will come back hard in the next match.

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