Curran takes hat-trick as England win first T20

What’s Happening

So get this: Sam Curran takes England’s second ever hat-trick in T20 internationals as they beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs (DLS) in Pallekele.

Curran takes hat-trick as England win first T20 Image source, Image caption, Sam Curran took his hat-trick in his 65th T20 international appearance for England By Mike Peter BBC Sport journalist Published 5 minutes ago First T20 international, Pallekele Sri Lanka 133 all out (16. 2 overs): Kusal Mendis 37 (20); Rashid 3-19, Curran 3-38 England 125-4 (15 overs): Salt 46 (35); Malinga 2-24 England clutched by 11 runs (DLS method); lead three-match series 1-0 Sam Curran took Englands second ever hat-trick in T20 internationals as they beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs (DLS) in Pallekele. (plot twist fr)

The left-arm seamer dismissed home captain Dasun Shanaka and lower-order batters Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 133.

The Details

The hosts had already took an L five wickets for 22 runs after spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson tore through their line-up, taking 3-19 and 2-31 respectively. Curran had been expensive earlier in the innings, conceding 36 runs from his first two overs, but returned in force before Jamie Overton wrapped up the innings, which had been shortened to 17 overs after rain earlier in the day.

Having clutched the preceding ODI series 2-1 , England were looking to take their form into the shortest format as they build up to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month. They looked comfortable in their reply, with Phil Salt hitting 46 from 35 balls at the top of the order.

Why This Matters

Jos Buttler was bowled in the third over after hitting the seamer for four successive fours, and the same bowler removed Jacob Bethell for nine. Tom Banton hit back-to-back sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga, but was caught superbly in the covers off Parithana, while Salt chipped Shanaka to long-on with the finish in sight. The rain returned two balls later with England needing nine from 12 deliveries and the umpires swiftly drew a conclusion to proceedings.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

The Bottom Line

The rain returned two balls later with England needing nine from 12 deliveries and the umpires swiftly drew a conclusion to proceedings. England go 1-0 up in the three-match series, with the next game at the same ground on Sunday.

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