In a remarkable display of bowling prowess, Tom Curran made history by becoming the first bowler to secure a hat-trick in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). His impressive performance played a crucial role in the Edinburgh Castle Rockers' commanding 59-run victory over the Belfast Wolves.
Curran's hat-trick was achieved in a thrilling spell that saw him take three wickets across two overs. He first dismissed Fred Klaassen and Matthew Humphreys in the final two deliveries of the 16th over, before claiming the wicket of Mark Adair with the very first ball of the 18th over. This achievement not only showcased Curran's skill but also highlighted his importance to the Rockers' bowling lineup.
Adding a unique twist to the match, Curran's hat-trick was aided by a sibling connection, as Mark Adair's brother, Ross, took the catches that secured two of the wickets. Earlier in the match, Ross had also caught Klaassen off Curran’s bowling, while Curran bowled Humphreys. In a sibling rivalry moment, Mark Adair had previously dismissed Ross for nine runs, showcasing the competitive nature of family ties on the cricket field.
The Rockers set a challenging target of 190 runs, thanks in part to a stellar innings from JJ Smuts, who scored 98 runs off 60 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes. His performance was pivotal in propelling the Rockers to a total of 189, setting a daunting challenge for the Wolves. In reply, the Belfast Wolves struggled to keep up with the required run rate and were ultimately bowled out for just 130 runs. Curran’s outstanding bowling figures, alongside Trent Boult's contribution of three wickets for only 16 runs, ensured the Rockers' dominance in the match.
This victory propelled the Edinburgh Castle Rockers to the top of the ETPL points table, with three wins out of four matches, the other match resulting in no result. They are currently one of only two unbeaten teams in the league, alongside the Rotterdam Dockers, who sit in second place. The Rockers' strong start to the season positions them as serious contenders for the title.
Curran's hat-trick marks his second in professional cricket, with his first occurring in July 2019 during a T20 Blast match for Surrey against Glamorgan. On that occasion, he took three wickets in consecutive deliveries, helping his team to a resounding victory. This latest achievement in the ETPL further solidifies his reputation as a key player in the T20 format.
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