Sam Curran Hattrick: With the ICC T20 World Cup just days away, England have delivered a strong warning to their rivals, and at the heart of it was a sensational Sam Curran hattrick against Sri Lanka. The left-arm all-rounder produced a devastating spell with the ball in the first T20 International at Pallekele, etching his name into England’s cricketing history and underlining his importance ahead of the global showpiece.
The rain-affected encounter may have been shortened, but there was nothing brief about the impact Curran had on the match. His triple strike in a single over not only dismantled Sri Lanka’s lower middle order but also turned the momentum decisively in England’s favour.
Sam Curran Creates History in Pallekele
The Sam Curran hattrick came during the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, a phase when the hosts were attempting to accelerate and post a competitive total. Instead, Curran ripped through their batting with a combination of control, swing, and pinpoint accuracy.
On the fourth ball of the over, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka attempted to clear the infield but could only find Harry Brook in the deep. The very next delivery saw Mahesh Theekshana fall for a golden duck, safely caught by Jamie Overton. Then came the moment that electrified the stadium — Matheesha Pathirana was completely deceived by Curran’s variation and bowled first ball, completing a memorable hattrick.
With that spell, Curran became only the second England bowler ever to take a hattrick in T20 International cricket, a rare and prestigious achievement that places him among elite company.
Sam Curran Hattrick – Wickets Breakdown
| Ball | Batsman Dismissed | Mode of Dismissal | Fielder |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.4 | Dasun Shanaka | Caught | Harry Brook |
| 16.5 | Mahesh Theekshana | Caught | Jamie Overton |
| 16.6 | Matheesha Pathirana | Bowled | — |
Shanaka was the only one of the three to get off the mark, scoring 20 runs from 16 balls, while Theekshana and Pathirana were dismissed without troubling the scorers.
Match Reduced Due to Rain, Sri Lanka Struggle
Persistent rain delayed the start of play, forcing match officials to reduce the contest to 17 overs per side. Sri Lanka, after winning the toss, opted to bat first, hoping to make full use of home conditions at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
However, England’s disciplined bowling attack never allowed the hosts to settle. Despite a few promising partnerships, Sri Lanka failed to build sustained momentum and were eventually bowled out for 133 runs.
Sri Lanka Batting Summary
| Batsman | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 37 | — |
| Pathum Nissanka | 23 | — |
| Dasun Shanaka (c) | 20 | 16 |
| Others | — | — |
| Total | 133 all out | 17 overs |
Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with a composed 37, while opener Pathum Nissanka added 23 at the top. Beyond that, the batting lineup failed to cope with England’s relentless pressure, especially during the death overs.
England Bowlers Dominate
England’s bowling unit functioned like a well-oiled machine, with multiple bowlers contributing at crucial stages. While the Sam Curran hattrick grabbed the headlines, others ensured Sri Lanka never recovered.
England Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Curran | 3 | 38 | 3 |
| Adil Rashid | — | — | 3 |
| Jamie Overton | — | — | 2 |
| Liam Dawson | — | — | 2 |
Adil Rashid’s variations troubled the Sri Lankan batters throughout, while Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson provided excellent support, picking up key wickets and maintaining pressure.
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Perfect Boost Before the T20 World Cup
The timing of the Sam Curran hattrick could not have been better for England. With the ICC T20 World Cup just a week away, such a performance boosts team morale and sends a clear signal to other contenders. Curran’s ability to strike at crucial moments, especially in pressure situations, adds immense balance to England’s squad.
Beyond the statistics, what stood out was Curran’s calmness under pressure. His execution in the death overs, an area that often defines success in T20 cricket, showcased why he remains one of England’s most trusted all-rounders.
As England continue their preparations for the T20 World Cup, performances like this will only strengthen their confidence. For Sri Lanka, the match highlighted areas that need urgent improvement, particularly handling swing bowling and finishing innings strongly.
One thing, however, is beyond doubt-the Sam Curran hattrick at Pallekele will be remembered as a defining moment in the build-up to the tournament, and a reminder of England’s firepower heading into the world’s biggest T20 stage.
