England Claims DLS Victory as Sam Curran Stuns Sri Lanka with a Hat-Trick
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Sports Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Saturday, January 31, 2026) — England took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 international series after defeating Sri Lanka by 11 runs (DLS method) in a rain-shortened opening encounter. While the weather played a major role, it was England’s Sam Curran who stole the headlines with a sensational hat-trick that dismantled the Sri Lankan lower order.
🏏 Rain Shortens the Contest
The match was delayed due to heavy rain in Colombo, preventing a timely start. Once the skies cleared, officials reduced the game to 17 overs per side.
England won the toss and elected to field first, looking to exploit the damp conditions—a decision that paid off significantly as the match progressed.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka’s Innings: A Bright Start, A Sharp Collapse
Sri Lanka struggled to maintain momentum throughout their innings, eventually being bowled out for 133 runs in 16.2 overs.
- Top Scorers: Kusal Mendis provided the backbone of the innings with a gritty 37, while Pathum Nissanka contributed a quick 23.
- The Curran Moment: The 16th over proved fatal for the hosts. Sam Curran produced a masterclass in death bowling, claiming three wickets in three consecutive balls to record a rare T20 international hat-trick.
- Bowling Stars: Both Sam Curran and veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid finished with impressive figures of 3 wickets each, effectively stifling the Sri Lankan hitters.
⚖️ The DLS Result
As further rain threatened and light faded, the match was decided via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. England’s disciplined bowling and Sri Lanka’s inability to bat out their full quota of overs meant the visitors were comfortably ahead of the par score, securing an 11-run victory.
📊 Match Summary: 1st T20I
| Feature | Details |
| Sri Lanka Score | 133 All Out (16.2 overs) |
| Top Batsman (SL) | Kusal Mendis (37) |
| Top Bowlers (ENG) | Sam Curran (3/— inc. Hat-trick), Adil Rashid (3/—) |
| Match Format | Reduced to 17 overs (Rain delay) |
| Result | England won by 11 runs (DLS Method) |
| Series Status | England leads 1-0 |
