Sam Curran: England seamer scores hat-trick as tourists win first T20

Sam Curran claimed his second ever hat-trick for England in T20 Internationals as they beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs (DLS) in Pallekele.

The left-arm seamer dismissed skipper Dasun Shanaka and lower-order batsmen Mahesh Thekshana and Mathisha Pathirana as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 133.

The hosts had already lost five wickets for 22 runs after spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson tore apart their line-up, taking 3-19 and 2-31 respectively.

Curran had been expensive earlier in the innings, conceding 36 runs from his first two overs, but came back strongly before Jimmy Overton wrapped up the innings, which was shortened to 17 runs after rain earlier in the day.

After winning the previous ODI series 2-1, England were looking to take form in the shorter format as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.

They looked comfortable in their reply, with Phil Salt scoring 46 off 35 balls at the top of the order.

Jos Buttler was bowled by Ishan Malinga in the third over after the seamer hit for four successive fours, and the same bowler removed Jacob Bethell for nine.

Tom Banton hit successive sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga, but was caught superbly at the covers by Parithana’s Charith Asalanka, while Salt beat Shanaka to long on towards the end.

Rain brought it back two balls later and England needed nine balls from 12 deliveries and the umpires quickly ended proceedings.

England lead 1-0 in the three-match series, with the next match taking place at the same stadium on Sunday.