'Pure happiness' - Sam Curran reacts to securing England's second-ever T20 hat-trick against Sri Lanka
Published 30/01/2026 at 22:56 GMT
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Sam Curran said he was filled with a feeling of pure happiness after securing England's second-ever T20 hat-trick during his side's 11-run win against Sri Lanka. The achievement came at a good time for Curran and England as they prepare to compete at the T20 World Cup in February. After two more warm-ups in Sri Lanka, England will get their campaign up and running against Nepal on February 8.
Watch: Every ball of Curran's sensational T20 hat-trick against Sri Lanka
Video credit: TNT Sports
Sam Curran said that completing England’s second-ever hat-trick in a T20 international during their 11-run triumph over Sri Lanka brought him "pure happiness" after a difficult start to the evening with the ball in hand.
Curran dismissed Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana in succession despite a costly first two overs that saw him concede 36 runs.
The match was shortened to 17 overs due to rain earlier in the day, but that did not stop Phil Salt from producing a knock of 46 off 35 balls to send his side on the way to victory.
Curran believes his performance showed how unpredictable T20 cricket can be.
"Obviously, there is loads of excitement as you let go and see the stumps light up," he said.
"It was obviously pure happiness and I guess it made the night a little bit sweeter.
"It is pretty cool to say I got a hat-trick, but what a weird night. I guess that shows why the T20 game is such an up-and-down thing, but a fantastic win."
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Highlights: Curran hat-trick spurs England to rain-hit T20 win over Sri Lanka
Video credit: TNT Sports
Adil Rashid also impressed for England, taking 3-19 before being named player of the match ahead of Curran.
Curran believes that Rashid can play a significant role for England during the T20 World Cup, which is set to get underway on February 7.
"He is incredible," Curran said.
"He has been a star player for us for so long, his tricks and skills and the way that he bowls at batters who are hitting the ball consistently in T20 cricket.
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"He is such an important player for us and we hope that he can play a big part in the next couple of weeks. It is all very exciting for us."
England, who have already edged a three-match one-day series against their hosts, face two more T20s on Sunday and Tuesday.
They will then get their World Cup campaign up and running when they face Nepal in Group C on February 8.
And Curran hopes England getting the better of Sri Lanka can encourage a winning culture within the squad.
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Curran takes stunning hat-trick against Sri Lanka - 'England are really sitting pretty!'
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It is huge," he added.
"Winning is kind of a massive confidence boost and a habit so we are hoping to keep winning and give ourselves that confidence leading into the World Cup.
"It is a really important series for us, playing in conditions that are very similar to what we are going to be playing in in the World Cup.
"We are learning every day, and I guess winning always helps.
"We know how exciting the next few weeks are, playing at a World Cup is a huge achievement for everyone and we want to do the country proud."
How to watch and live stream the tour of Sri Lanka
Every ball from the 2026 tour of Sri Lanka will be available live and on-demand via TNT Sports and its streaming platform, discovery+.
Viewers watching the action on discovery+ will benefit from the timeline markers featured throughout the series – allowing them to catch up on all the highlights and pivotal moments at their own pace.
To complement the live action, TNT Sports will broadcast highlights throughout the daytime on its linear channels and discovery+.
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