Sam Curran delivered one of the standout bowling performances of 2026 by taking a hattrick for England against Sri Lanka in the first men’s T20 international at Pallekele: a rare feat that helped seal an 11-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method and gave England a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. Curran’s triple strike late in Sri Lanka’s innings triggered a dramatic collapse and underscored his value as a bowler in high-pressure situations just days before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

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Dramatic hattrick swings momentum

England had elected to bowl after rain delayed the start and reduced the match to 17 overs per side at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka looked well positioned at 76 for 2 after 7 overs, with Kusal Mendis striking a brisk 37 off 20 balls and Pathum Nissanka contributing 23 off 20 as the hosts aimed for a competitive total.

The tide turned in the 16th over when Curran produced a sensational burst, dismissing Dasun Shanaka (20 off 16) and Maheesh Theekshana (0) with consecutive deliveries before bowling Matheesha Pathirana (0) on the third ball. The triple strike reduced Sri Lanka to 129 for 9 and triggered the tail to unravel quickly, helping England bowl the hosts out for 133 in 16.2 overs.

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Curran finished with figures of 3 for 38, showing how a well-timed burst can dramatically alter the course of a T20 innings, especially in the final overs when runs are at a premium.

Rare achievement and records

Curran’s hattrick was more than just a match highlight: it was a significant milestone in T20 international cricket. He became only the second male bowler from England to claim a hattrick in T20 internationals, joining Chris Jordan, who achieved the feat at the 2024 T20 World Cup. The trio of dismissals i.e. Shanaka, Theekshana and Pathirana got listed in the official record books as one of the rare hattricks in T20Is.

Across the broader scope of international T20 cricket, Curran’s hattrick added his name to a select list of bowlers who have achieved three consecutive dismissals, an accomplishment that puts him in elite company and highlights England’s bowling depth ahead of key tournaments.

Match context & series impact

Sri Lanka’s innings, though promising early on, collapsed dramatically after Curran’s intervention, with spin veteran Adil Rashid (3 for 19) also playing a crucial role in stemming the run flow and removing key top-order batters. The combined bowling effort restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total in a rain-affected outing.

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In response, England’s chase was anchored by an aggressive innings from Phil Salt (46 off 35) and support from Tom Banton (29 off 15), Jos Buttler and Harry Brook, which kept them ahead on the DLS par score at 125 for 4 in 15 overs when rain forced an early conclusion. England’s superior position at the stoppage meant they clinched the win by 11 runs (DLS), securing a 1–0 lead in the T20 series.

What it means going forward

Curran’s performance delivered a timely boost for England as they continue final preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. His ability to swing momentum with both bat and ball makes him a valuable all-round option for England in marquee tournaments, and the hattrick will be remembered as one of the key highlights of their pre-World Cup campaign.

For Sri Lanka, the match exposed vulnerabilities in the lower order but also offered insights ahead of the World Cup, where both teams are expected to be competitive.

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WATCH: Sam Curran's hattrick rattles Sri Lanka