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Edinburgh Castle Rockers registered a convincing 59-run victory over Belfast Wolves in the European T20 Premier League, with Tom Curran making history by claiming the tournament's first-ever hat-trick. Curran produced a decisive spell at the back end of the Wolves' chase to finish with four wickets and put the result beyond doubt.
The Rockers had earlier posted 189/5 in their 20 overs after JJ Smuts produced an outstanding 98 off 60 balls. Belfast Wolves were unable to keep pace with the required rate and were eventually bowled out for 130 in 17.1 overs. Tom Curran's late burst was the defining moment of the match, while Smuts was named Player of the Match for his superb innings.
Tom Curran creates ETPL history with hat-trick for Edinburgh Castle Rockers
✒️ his name in the history books 👉 Tom Curran took the first-ever hat-trick of #ETPL 👑😍 pic.twitter.com/yN2JwmUpvH
— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial) September 2, 2026
Curran delivered his history-making spell when Belfast Wolves were trying to recover from the loss of wickets in their chase. Tom Curran struck twice in the 16th over before returning to complete his hat-trick with the first ball of the 18th over.
His first hat-trick wicket came when Fred Klaassen attempted to take on a short delivery. Curran sent a lifter towards the batter's throat, forcing Klaassen into an attempted hook. The ball went high towards deep square leg, where Ross Adair completed the catch. Klaassen was dismissed for four off five balls, leaving the Wolves in further trouble.
Tom Curran then produced an excellent delivery to remove Matthew Humphreys with the final ball of the over. The ball was back of a length and skidded through the batter's defence before hitting the top of middle stump. Humphreys departed without scoring.
That gave Tom Curran the chance to complete the first hat-trick in ETPL history, although he had to wait until his next over to do so.
The hat-trick arrived when Mark Adair fell to the first ball of the 18th over. Tom Curran bowled a slower off-cutter which Adair tried to hit towards the leg side. He failed to get enough power on the shot and the ball went high towards deep midwicket.
Ross Adair was again involved, completing a tumbling catch to send his brother back to the pavilion for 14 off 11 balls.
Tom Curran finished with figures of 4/20 from 3.1 overs, helping dismiss Belfast Wolves for 130. The result gave Edinburgh Castle Rockers a 59-run win and strengthened their position in the European T20 Premier League.
Mitchell Santner reacts to Edinburgh Castle Rockers' victory
Rockers captain Mitchell Santner was pleased with his team's performance, particularly with the way Smuts and the other batters built the innings on what he felt was their best batting surface of the tournament. Santner said:
"I think we were reasonably happy with the total. Best pitch we have played on so far. It was nice to get another win. I think it's probably the best pitch we've seen so far and guys are hitting their stride. Not a lot of spin, not ideal, but JJ batted unbelievably and had partnerships. There will be a few beers and different guys stepping up at different times."
Belfast Wolves captain Glenn Maxwell felt his side had a realistic chance of chasing the target but admitted that the loss of wickets changed the contest. Maxwell said:
"We actually felt like (Edinburgh's) total was under-par. We had full confidence in our batting line-up but we lost wickets and some decisions against us. It can happen in T20 cricket. Smuts struck the ball beautifully and they were able to bat deep into the back end. It's been a great tournament and hopefully we've had enough of the rain and we can I more [full] games like this. The cricket is heating up h and it's getting tighter at the top."
JJ Smuts outshines Tom Curran to bag Player of the Match award
While Curran grabbed the headlines with his historic hat-trick, JJ Smuts was adjudged Player of the Match for his commanding batting display.
Smuts opened the innings and carried the Rockers' scoring effort with a 60-ball 98, hitting 11 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 163.33. His innings provided the foundation for Edinburgh Castle Rockers to reach 189/5.
Smuts admitted that the Rockers had lost some momentum towards the end of their innings but credited the team's ability to keep scoring throughout the opening phase. JJSmuts said:
"I thought we lost some momentum towards the end and they (Belfast Wolves) strangled us. Luckily, our skipper did it (finished the innings). It (The message) has come from the head coach. Myself and Ross (Adair) give it a good whack upfront. We kind of kept the momentum going. We probably wanted 200, but they bowled well at the back end. It's just see ball, hit ball to be honest."
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