England Win T20 Opener vs Sri Lanka by 11 Runs

England secured an 11-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of their three-game T20 series on Friday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, with Sam Curran claiming a dramatic hat-trick to cap a dominant bowling display. The rain-shortened contest, reduced to 17 overs per side due to pre-match and intermittent showers, ended early in England's chase when they stood at 125 for four, ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after Sri Lanka were restricted to 133 all out.

England captain Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off as the visitors' bowlers dismantled the hosts' batting lineup. Sri Lanka started aggressively, reaching 51 for one in the five-over powerplay and 76 for one after seven overs, powered by Kusal Mendis's brisk 37 off 20 balls, including 20 runs from one over bowled by Curran. However, the momentum shifted as England's spinners took control. Adil Rashid delivered a standout spell of three wickets for 19 runs in four overs, dismissing Pathum Nissanka and Dhananjaya de Silva while baffling Mendis into a catch. Liam Dawson supported with two wickets, including Charith Asalanka, caught superbly by Jacob...