England made a confident start to their three match Twenty20 international series against Sri Lanka, claiming an 11 run victory via the DLS method in a rain affected opener on Friday to take a 1-0 lead.
Repeated interruptions reduced the contest to 17 overs per side, yet England managed the conditions more effectively, with Sam Curran producing a decisive hat trick and Phil Salt anchoring the chase with authority.
After opting to bowl first, England were initially put under pressure by Sri Lanka’s openers. Kusal Mendis struck 37 from 20 balls and Pathum Nissanka added 23, the pair racing to 75 for one after seven overs and threatening to take full advantage of the shortened format.
The momentum turned once England introduced spin. Adil Rashid led the fightback with a controlled spell of three for 19, while Liam Dawson supported him with two for 31. The middle overs brought regular wickets and curtailed Sri Lanka’s scoring options.
The defining moment came in the 16th over. Curran, who had earlier gone for runs, returned to remove Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana with three successive deliveries, becoming only the second England bowler to take a Twenty20 international hat trick. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 133, leaving England firmly in control.
England’s chase began assertively, Salt striking the first ball for six to set the tone. Sri Lanka responded through Eshan Malinga, who dismissed Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell in quick succession to briefly revive the contest.
Salt remained composed, guiding the innings with 46 from 35 balls, while Tom Banton provided impetus with 29 from 15. Their partnership kept England ahead of the required rate throughout.
A final downpour brought the match to a halt after 15 overs, with England 125 for four, comfortably above the DLS par score of 114. With no further play possible, the result was awarded to the visitors.
