SL vs ENG: W,W,W! Sam Curran takes a sensational hat-trick against Sri Lanka in first T20I (Watch video)
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Sam Curran picked England’s second T20I hat-trick in T20Is.
The opening T20I between Sri Lanka and England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium marks the start of a crucial three-match series, serving as the final dress rehearsal for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With all matches scheduled at the same venue, consistency, adaptability, and momentum will be key.
England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field first, putting Sri Lanka in to bat on a surface known for high scoring and true bounce. The decision underlines England’s confidence in their bowling depth and chasing ability, while Sri Lanka will look to capitalise on batting first by posting a challenging total under lights.
Led by Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup boasts firepower and experience, with the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga expected to shoulder responsibility. England, bolstered by the return of Jofra Archer, will aim to strike early and set the tone in what promises to be a high-octane series opener.
Sam Curran takes hat-trick against Sri Lanka in rain-affected match
Sam Curran produced a remarkable turnaround with the ball, claiming a hat-trick in 16th over to cap a dramatic England bowling performance in the first T20 International against Sri Lanka at Pallekele on January 30, 2026. The match, reduced to 17 overs per side due to rain, saw Sri Lanka getting all out for 133-10 after being asked to bat first by England captain Harry Brook.
Curran, who had endured a tough start, conceding 35 runs from his first two overs was brought back for the 16th over with Sri Lanka at 125-6. What followed was a game-changing spell: Dasun Shanaka (20) holed out to Harry Brook at long-on, Maheesh Theekshana was caught at deep midwicket by Jamie Overton, and Matheesha Pathirana was clean bowled neck and crop on the hat-trick ball.
Curran wheeled away in celebration, arms outstretched, as England sealed a third wicket in three deliveries to finish with figures of 3-38 from three overs.
The hat-trick came at a pivotal moment, halting any late Sri Lankan surge and leaving England chasing a modest 134 in the rain-shortened contest. Earlier, Adil Rashid (3-19) and Liam Dawson (2-31) had done the bulk of the damage in the middle overs, triggering a collapse from 75-1 to 98-6 in just five overs.
Kusal Mendis top-scored with 37, but Sri Lanka lost 7 wickets for 58 runs after a promising start from Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara.
Watch: Sam Curran’s hat-trick against Sri Lanka
Whose hat-trick was it in the SL vs ENG 1st T20I?
Sam Curran picked up the hat-trick for England.
When did Sam Curran take the hat-trick?
He took it in the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s innings.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.