The victory comes after England's 2-1 ODI series win earlier this week, providing momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.
After losing the toss, Sri Lanka were asked to bat in a rain-reduced 17-over contest. The hosts initially looked comfortable as Pathum Nissanka (23) and Kusal Mendis (37) built a 52-run second-wicket partnership. But England's spinners turned the match on its head. Adil Rashid (3-19) and Liam Dawson (2-31) ripped through the middle order, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose five wickets in as many overs.
Curran, who had been expensive in his first two overs, finished the job in style. He dismissed Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka (20) and lower-order batters Maheesh Theekshana (0) and Matheesha Pathirana (0) in consecutive deliveries to record England's second-ever T20 international hat-trick. Jamie Overton (2-17) wrapped up the innings soon after, leaving Sri Lanka all out for 133 in 16.2 overs.
England's chase began explosively. Opener Phil Salt, the world's second-ranked T20 batter, took full advantage of early misses by the Sri Lankan fielders, striking 46 from 35 balls. Jos Buttler contributed with quickfire boundaries before falling to Eshan Malinga, while Tom Banton added 29 off 15 balls, including back-to-back sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga. Rain intervened with England needing nine runs from 12 deliveries, and the umpires ended the match with the tourists ahead on DLS.
Curran's hat-trick is a personal milestone for the Surrey all-rounder, who returned to England's white-ball squads in September after a five-month absence. He joins Chris Jordan as the only England players to claim a T20 international hat-trick, Jordan having done so in the 2024 T20 World Cup against the United States.
The win also extended England's T20 dominance over Sri Lanka, marking their ninth consecutive victory in the format against the island nation. Curran's performance, coupled with Salt's power hitting, underscores England's growing depth ahead of the World Cup, where they open against Nepal in Mumbai on February 8. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to address their middle- and lower-order vulnerabilities before facing Ireland in Colombo later the same day.
The second T20 in the three-match series takes place on Sunday at the same venue, with England seeking to wrap up the series ahead of the final game on Tuesday. With Curran in fine form and Salt leading the batting charge, England appear well-placed to carry their momentum into the global tournament.
Sri Lanka have confirmed their 15-man squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, backing experience at the top while making decisive calls in the middle order ahead of the tournament's start this weekend.
Tom Banton's composed unbeaten half-century and a ferocious Harry Brook cameo steered England to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a rain-reduced second T20 international, sealing the series 2-0 in Pallekele.
West Indies secured a narrow six-run victory over South Africa in a rain-affected third T20I at Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round display to thrash Australia by 90 runs in the second T20 international in Lahore, sealing the three-match series with an unbeatable 2-0 lead.
