The road to the 2026 T20 World Cup officially kicked off with a thunderous clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. In a match truncated by rain and defined by moments of individual brilliance, England has emerged as the frontrunner after a clinical bowling display, led by a sensational hat-trick from Sam Curran.
Match Overview: Rain, Reductions, and High Stakes
The evening in Kandy began with a heavy cloud cover that delayed the toss by over 100 minutes. When the skies finally cleared, the match was reduced to 17 overs per side . England captain Harry Brook won the toss and favored to field, a decision that proved masterful as the pitch offered grip for the spinners and extra bounce for the seamers.
Sri Lanka's Innings: A Story of Two Halves
Sri Lanka started with intent. Winadda Despite the early loss of Kamil Mishara (16), Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis took a liking to the pace of Sam Curran early on, propelling the hosts to 55/1 within theW powerplay. At 75/1 in the 7th over, a total of 160+ looked well within reach.
However, the introduction of England's spin twins—Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson—flipped the script.
The Collapse
Adil Rashid (3/19): The veteran leg-spinner removed the dangerous Nissanka (23) and Mendis (37), effectively breaking the spine of the Lankan batting order.
Liam Dawson (2/31): Dawson provided the perfect foil, removing Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage to leave the hosts reeling at 98/6.
The Moment of the Match: Sam Curran's Hat-Trick
After being expensive in his opening spell, Sam Curran returned in the 16th over to etch his name into the history books. With three clinical deliveries, he silenced the Pallekele crowd:
15.4: Dasun Shanaka caught for 20.
15.5: Maheesh Theekshana is clean bowled for a golden duck.
15.6: Matheesha Pathirana's stumps shattered to complete the Hat-Trick .
Sri Lanka was eventually bundled out for 133 in 16.3 overs .
Scorecard Summary (Sri Lanka Innings)
Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
Kusal Mendis | c Overton b Rashid | 37 | 25 |
Pathum Nissanka | c Buttler b Rashid | 23 | 20 |
Dasun Shanaka | c Brook b Curran | 20 | 16 |
Kamil Mishara | c Dawson b Overton | 16 | 10 |
Bowling Excellence:
Sam Curran: 3.2-0-31-3 (Hat-trick)
Adil Rashid: 4-0-19-3
Liam Dawson: 4-0-31-2
What England Needs to Win
England requires 134 runs in 17 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. With an explosive opening pair of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, the visitors are favorites, but the tacky Pallekele surface and the presence of Wanindu Hasaranga mean the chase will be anything but straightforward.
Key Talking Points
Jofra Archer's Return: Archer looked sharp in his comeback game, conceding just 24 runs and maintaining high speeds.
Spin Dominance: The middle-over squeeze by Rashid and Dawson proves that spin will be the primary weapon in this series.
Shanaka's Lone Fight: The Sri Lankan skipper tried to salvage the innings with 20 runs, but lacked support at the other end.
