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1st T20: England, 125-4, bt Sri Lanka, 133, by 11 runs (DLS)
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Opener hits 46 as tourists win after rain delay
It was an England victory set up by the wily, age-old brilliance of Adil Rashid, vital to their hopes of a World Cup triumph in the coming weeks. The masterful leg-spinner took three for 19 as Sri Lanka’s batting lineup collapsed in the first of three Twenty20s, losing five wickets for 22 runs.
Sam Curran celebrated a late hat-trick, too, as the visitors were set a target of 134 in a rain-shortened contest after the start was delayed. They were guided by Phil Salt’s 46, but Tom Banton’s 15-ball 29 provided the real thrust, easing the tension in the middle overs.
Written by Taha Hashim at Pallekele Cricket Stadium
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jan/30/sri-lanka-england-cricket-first-t20-match-report under the title “Sam Curran takes hat-trick before Salt eases England to DLS win over Sri Lanka in first T20”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
