England’s bowling all-rounder Sam Curran was a key contributor for the Three Lions in the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Balagolla, on Friday, 30th of January, as the 27-year-old registered figures of 3/38. England won the toss and chose to bowl first. Due to rain, the match was a 17-over affair.

Opener Pathum Nissanka scored 23 while Kusal Mendis scored 37 in 20 balls, hitting 4 fours and 2 sixes. The Sri Lankan middle order failed to build partnerships in the middle overs. Dasun Shanaka scored a vital 20 runs at no 7, while Wanindu Hasaranga scored 14 batting at no 8.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 133 in 16.2 overs, thanks to a fine bowling performance by England all-rounder Sam Curran, who took a hat-trick, claiming the wickets of Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Mathisha Patheerana in the 16th over, turning the match in England’s favour. Curran became only the second England bowler in men’s cricket to take a hat-trick in a T20I

Spinner Adil Rashid registered figures of 3/19, while left-arm orthodox spinner Liam Dawson and pacer Jamie Overton also took 2 wickets each. England openers began their innings in an aggressive mode, especially Phil Salt, who scored 46 in 35 balls, hitting 3 fours and 2 sixes.

 England were 36/0 in just 2.4 overs. Right-handed batter Tom Banton scored a crucial 29 in 15 balls, hitting 3 sixes and 2 fours batting at no 4. Harry Brook remained unbeaten on 16.

England bowlers showcased tremendous accuracy with their lengths and kept on getting wickets regularly.

Sri Lankan bowlers looked ordinary while the England batters dominated them for most of their innings. For Sri Lanka, pacer Eshan Malinga registered figures of 2/24. England were 125/4 after 15 overs when it started to rain again.

The Three Lions were ahead by 11 runs during that period as per the DLS method and hence were declared winners taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the three match T20I series.