England kicked off their three-match T20I series in commanding fashion, clinching an 11-run victory over Sri Lanka via the DLS method in a rain-hit opener on Friday. In a contest repeatedly interrupted by weather, the visitors held their nerve through key phases, with Sam Curran scripting history with a stunning hat-trick and Phil Salt providing calm authority at the top during the chase. The result handed England a 1–0 lead over Sri Lanka in the shortened series.
Sri Lanka’s flying start undone by spin squeeze
After persistent rain forced the match to be reduced to 17 overs per side, England opted to bowl first, a decision that initially appeared risky. Sri Lanka’s openers came out with intent, with Kusal Mendis striking a fluent 37 off 20 balls and Pathum Nissanka contributing a brisk 23 from as many deliveries. The pair capitalised on the hard new ball, racing the hosts to 75/1 after seven overs and threatening to post a daunting total despite the reduced format.
The momentum shifted sharply once England turned to spin. Adil Rashid applied the brakes with a probing spell of 3/19, while Liam Dawson complemented him with 2/31. The middle overs became a minefield for Sri Lanka’s batters, as wickets fell at regular intervals and boundary options dried up.
Sam Curran’s magical over rewrites the script
The decisive moment arrived in the 16th over. Having endured an expensive start, Curran returned to produce a spell for the ages. The left-armer dismissed Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana in three consecutive deliveries, becoming only the second English bowler to claim a T20I hat-trick. His burst ripped the heart out of Sri Lanka’s lower order, bundling them out for 133 and ensuring England finished the innings firmly on top.
Also READ: Fans go gaga as Sam Curran rocks Sri Lanka with hat-trick during rain-affected 1st T20I in Pallekele
Phil Salt sets the tone as England stay ahead of DLS
England’s reply began with intent. Salt announced his mood by launching the first ball of the chase for six, immediately easing any nerves. Sri Lanka struck back through Eshan Malinga, whose double blow removed Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell, briefly bringing the hosts back into contention.
Unfazed, Salt anchored the innings with a well-judged 46 off 35 balls, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. He found support in Tom Banton, who injected momentum with a lively 29 from just 15 balls. Their partnership ensured England remained comfortably ahead of the required rate.
When a final heavy downpour halted play after 15 overs, England were comfortably placed at 125/4—well ahead of the DLS par score of 114. With no further play possible, the officials awarded the match to the visitors.
England win the first T20I and go 1-0 up in the series 🏏#SLvENG pic.twitter.com/sdOQN8O0it
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 31, 2026
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