Sam Curran took England’s second-ever T20 international hat-trick as they beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs (DLS) in Pallekele. Curran dismissed captain Dasun Shanaka and lower-order batters Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 133.
Earlier, spinners Adil Rashid (3-19) and Liam Dawson (2-31) had put Sri Lanka under pressure, reducing them to 22/5. Curran, who had conceded 36 runs in his first two overs, came back strongly to finish the job, with Jamie Overton wrapping up the innings. The match was shortened to 17 overs due to rain.
England, having won the preceding ODI series 2-1, looked comfortable in their chase. Phil Salt scored 46 off 35 balls, while Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell fell to Eshan Malinga. Tom Banton hit back-to-back sixes but was caught in the covers. Rain returned with England needing 9 runs from 12 balls, and the umpires concluded the match.
England lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second T20 at the same ground on Sunday.
