Rangana Herath

Herath was born on 19 March 1978, in the small village of Waduwawa, Kurunegala, on the southeastern tip of the Northwestern Province as the second of the family. His elder brother is Deepthi Herath. He was promoted to opening batting in school times, and acted as a pacer, until his coach told him to start spin bowling due to height problem. Before starting professional career, Herath was working at Sampath Bank as a clerk, when he met brother of Chandika Hathurusingha.{{cite web | url=http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1056977/left-arm-lovable | title=Left-arm lovable:The Rangana Herath story | work=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=25 October 2016|author = Andrew Fidel Fernando}}

Herath started his cricket career at his first school Mayurapada Central College, Narammala.{{cite web | url=http://www.thepapare.com/index.php/personality/2630-i-have-a-lot-of-gratitude-towards-murali-rangana-herath | title='I have a lot of gratitude towards Murali' – Rangana Herath | work=The Papare.Com | access-date=2 September 2014 | author=Mohomed, Ameen}} Later, he moved to Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala. Having made his first-class debut for Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club in 1996–97 cricket season, Rangana Herath currently represents Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club in Sri Lankan first-class cricket. He represented Moors Sports Club from 1998/99 to 2009/10 in local first-class cricket. He made his Twenty20 debut on 17 August 2004, for Moors Sports Club in the 2004 SLC Twenty20 Tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/twenty-20-tournament-2004-304926/moors-sports-club-vs-ragama-cricket-club-1st-round-304934/full-scorecard |title=1st Round, Colombo, Aug 17 2004, Twenty-20 Tournament |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=23 April 2021}} He also played for Surrey during the latter part of the 2009 English cricket season. In April 2010, Herath joined Hampshire, where he played in the first half of the 2010 County Championship.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/counties/hampshire/8603728.stm|title=Hampshire sign Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath |work=BBC|date=5 April 2010|access-date=11 February 2018}}

In March 2018, Herath was named in Dambulla's squad for the 2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament.{{cite news |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1041112/cricket-mixed-opinions-on-provincial-tournament |title=Cricket: Mixed opinions on Provincial tournament |publisher=Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=27 March 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://dailysports.lk/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-sl-super-provincial-tournament/ |title=All you need to know about the SL Super Provincial Tournament |publisher=Daily Sports |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=27 March 2018}}

Herath made his Test debut at Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka against Australia in 1999. His One Day International debut came five years later in 2004, against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club. During the 2016 England series, Herath was ranked as 13th Test match bowler in the world, having hit the heights of second in the list in 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/rankings/content/page/211270.html |title=Official Player Rankings |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=2 September 2014}}

Although Herath made his Test debut back in 1999, he never came to the prominence as a leading spinner until the retirement of Muralitharan. Herath made a successful comeback to Test cricket in 2009 against Pakistan and took over the mantle of Sri Lanka's main spin bowler from Muralitharan. Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene rated Herath as Sri Lanka's number one bowler after the retirement of Muralitharan.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-england-2012/content/story/558979.html |title=Herath now our No. 1 - Jayawardene |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=27 March 2012 |access-date=2 September 2014 |author=Thawfeeq, Sa'adi}}

After playing second role in the team for long time behind the shadow of maestro Muttiah Muralitharan, Herath ascended to prominence against Australia in 1999 with a "mystery" ball. He broke into the national side after an impressive A tour to England. Herath while playing in two test matches in the series, deceived the visiting Australians with a delivery that darted the other way. He took six test wickets against the Australians. Herath made a comeback to the Test side, taking 15 wickets in the 3 match Test series vs. Pakistan played in Sri Lanka, also winning the man-of-the-match award in the first Test.{{cite web|title=Pak vs SL Test Series, 2009, Most wickets|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=5067;type=series|work=ESPNcricinfo}} Herath then took 8 wickets in the second Test in the two match Test-series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Sri Lanka. This led Sri Lanka to a win, and a series victory.{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd Test (SSC), Aug 26–30 2009|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/slvnz2009/engine/current/match/403379.html|work=ESPNcricinfo}}

Herath played only in the test at Galle during the home series against India. Though Sri Lanka won, he only managed to take the wicket of Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh in that match. Herath was recalled for the second test match against the West Indies in November 2010. In that match played at the newly renovated R. Premadasa Stadium, he took three wickets in the first innings. In the second Test of Sri Lanka's tour of South Africa in December 2011, Herath took nine wickets and won the Man of the Match award. Sri Lanka won the match by 208 runs; it was their first Test win in South Africa.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-sri-lanka-2011/content/current/story/547332.html | title=Herath spins Sri Lanka to famous win | work=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=30 December 2011}}

Herath took 12 wickets during the first test match of the 2012 England test series. His match winning performance helped him to secure the "Man of the Match" award in Galle. Herath was England's latest spin tormentor with 6 for 74 during the first inning and he took another 6 wickets for just 97 runs and confirmed the Sri Lanka's victory against the touring English team.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-england-2012/engine/current/match/521225.html | title=England tour of Sri Lanka, 2011/12 / Scorecard| work=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=28 April 2012}}

Herath memorably took figures of 5–3 against New Zealand in the 2014 World T20, a spell that helped Sri Lanka qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament. Sri Lanka eventually won the tournament and Herath's spell was named the Wisden Men's T20I spell of the decade in 2019.{{cite web |date=9 December 2019 |title=Men's T20I Spells of the Decade, No.1: Rangana Herath's 5-3 |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/mens-t20i-spells-of-the-decade-no-1-rangana-herath-spins-circles-around-new-zealand}}

In the first innings of the second Test against Pakistan, Herath took nine wickets for 127 runs, the best figures for a left-arm bowler in Test cricket.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/28817356 |title=Sri Lanka v Pakistan: Rangana Herath takes nine wickets |work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=19 August 2015}} He was man of the match in both Test matches and also man of the series.

During the Sri Lankan cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2013–14, Herath became the first Sri Lankan and 16th overall to be dismissed for a king pair in test history.{{Cite web|url=http://sportzwiki.com/cricket/batsmen-who-have-been-dismissed-on-king-pair-in-test-cricket/ |title=Batsman who have dismissed for king pair in test cricket |work=Sportzwiki|date=6 May 2016 |access-date=6 May 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/657651.html |title=Sri Lanka v Pakistan 3rd test |work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=6 May 2016}}

For his performances in 2014, he was named in the World Test XI by ICC.{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/180621|title=Johnson takes top honours at LG ICC Awards 2014|website=www.icc-cricket.com}}

In the second innings of the first Test against India in 2015, Herath took seven wickets for 48 runs, where Sri Lanka only had 175 runs behind India's total of 375. Herath was only able to take a single wicket in the first innings and had a fairly poor performance in the first innings. But his strong comeback in the second innings with other new spinner Tharindu Kaushal, India were all out for 112 runs, where Herath took 7 for 48 and Kaushal with 3 for 47. This was his 22nd five-wicket haul in Tests.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2015/content/story/909771.html|title=Herath seven razes India for 112|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=15 August 2015}}

In the first match at Galle against West Indies in 2015, Sri Lanka posted a huge total of 484 with the help of two centuries. In the bowling, Herath took his 23rd five-wicket haul in test cricket and the very first against West Indies. He finished with 6/68 runs and West Indies were all out for 251. This gave windies to keep follow-on and they came in to bat for the second innings just on the third day. Just as in the first innings, Herath was all over the Windies, where they all out for 227 runs, giving Sri Lanka a huge win by an innings and 6 runs. Herath took 4/79 in second innings, finished his fifth ten-wicket haul in Test cricket and adjudged man of the match award as well. The second match was a show of bowlers. Both teams do not score more than 250 in each innings, and Herath only took a single wicket in the first innings. West Indies required 245 runs to win the match, but Herath strikes again, picked up 4 wickets and sealed the game for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka won the series 2-0 and Herath was the Player of the Series.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-west-indies-2015-16/content/story/929737.html |title=Magical Herath spins Sri Lanka to innings win |access-date=17 October 2015 |work=ESPNcricinfo|date=17 October 2015 }}

In England tour 2016, Herath took two wickets in the first test at Leeds, with 299 test wickets. However, Sri Lanka lost the match by an innings and 88 runs. In the second match at Chester-Le-Street, Herath took his 300th test wicket by dismissing Steven Finn, caught by himself. He became the third Sri Lankan after Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas to reach 300 test wickets in history. He also played well with the bat scoring 61 whilst batting with Dinesh Chandimal before being out to James Anderson.

On 11 February 2018, against Sri Lanka, Herath overtook the legendary Wasim Akram's wicket tally in Test cricket to become the highest wicket-taking left-arm bowler.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Herath revealed his intentions to retire from ODIs and T20Is after 2016 ICC World Twenty20. Sri Lanka exited from the World T20 in the first round and Herath announced his retirement on 17 April 2016. This was largely due to the fact that, Herath was picked to the recent limited over tournaments game after a game and with the few years to come with his age, he wants to focus more towards Test cricket.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/story/999319.html | title=Herath retires from ODIs, T20Is | work=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=17 April 2016}} Until retirement, Herath played 71 ODIs, took 74 wickets with the average of 31.91. He played 17 T20Is, where took 18 wickets with the best bowling figures of 5 for 3 against New Zealand in 2014 World T20I.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/49178.html | title=Rangana Hearth ODI and T20I stats | work=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=25 April 2016}}

Herath showed his talents in home soil back against Australian in the Warne Murali Series in 2016. In the first test, he took 4 four wickets in first innings and match-winning five-wicket haul in the second innings. Sri Lanka eventually won the match by 106 runs, which is only the second win against Australia in 27 test matches by Sri Lanka.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-australia-2016/content/story/1040633.html | title=Herath bowls Sri Lanka to historic victory | work=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=30 July 2016}} Herath has taken 7 fifers in the fourth innings of Tests by 29 innings, which is the most fifers in second innings in least innings, previously held by Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 35 innings to reach the milestone. Bowling figures of 5 for 58 in the match is also the best bowling figures in a Test innings in Pallekele.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-australia-2016/content/story/1040693.html | title=Sandakan creates history as left-arm spinners take stage | work=ESPNcricinfo | date=30 July 2016 | access-date=30 July 2016}}

During the second Test at Galle, Herath took a hat-trick by dismissing Adam Voges, Peter Nevill, and Mitchell Starc in the Australian first innings. He became the second Sri Lankan after Nuwan Zoysa, and first Sri Lankan spinner to take a Test hat-trick.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-australia-2016/content/story/1042657.html |title=Herath takes hat-trick as Australia collapse for 106 |access-date=5 August 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} He is also the second left-arm orthodox bowler ever to take a Test hat trick after Johnny Briggs in 1892.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-australia-2016/content/story/1042817.html | title=A hat-trick, a six-for and 21 wickets | work=ESPNcricinfo | access-date=5 August 2016}} In the process he became the oldest cricketer to take a hat-trick in Test matches.{{cite web | url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/81868/sri-lanka-vs-australia-statistical-highlights-rangana-herath-becomes-oldest-to-claim-test-hat-trick | title=Rangana Herath becomes oldest to claim Test hat-trick | work=Cricbuzz | date=5 August 2016 | access-date= 5 August 2016}}

In the third Test at SSC, Herath took his 25th and 26th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. This is his fourth consecutive Test against Australia in where he has taken four or more wickets in the opponent's first innings. His 25th fifer mark is the highest by a bowler to take fifers since 2009. In this period, no other bowler has taken even 20 such hauls.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-australia-2016/content/story/1046401.html | title=Marsh-Smith: 246 runs; others: 133 runs | work=ESPNcricinfo | date=15 August 2016 | access-date=15 August 2016}} His ten wicket haul in the match gave the series whitewash against Number 1 ranked Australia for the first time in history. He took 13 wickets in the last test match and 28 wickets in the series.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-australia-2016/content/series/995431.html|title=Australia Tour of Sri Lanka|publisher=ESPN Cric Info|access-date=2023-04-16}} Both these wicket figures are record for a Sri Lankan against Australia.

After usual captain Angelo Mathews injured during ODI series against Australia, vice captain Dinesh Chandimal was also injured during T20I series of the same tour. With these major players absent, Herath was appointed as the captain of Test team for the Zimbabwe tour. On 29 September 2016, he led the team in a test match, becoming the oldest player to lead a Test team for the first time since Somachandra de Silva in 1983.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1062963.html | title=Mathews injured, Herath set for late captaincy debut | work=ESPNcricinfo | date=23 October 2016 | access-date=6 November 2016}} The match was won by Sri Lanka, where Herath led from the front, took 6 wickets in the match.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1064392.html | title=Sri Lanka overcome Zimbabwe's resistance in last-hour win | work=ESPNcricinfo | date=2 November 2016 | access-date=6 November 2016}}

On 8 November 2016, Herath took his 27th five wicket haul, becoming the third overall to take five-wicket hauls against all Test-playing nations, after Muttiah Muralitharan and Dale Steyn.{{cite news | url = http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1065241.html | title = Herath completes the five-for set | work = ESPNcricinfo | access-date = 9 November 2016}} He took 13 wickets in the second test match, recording best bowling figures against Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe. He dismissed Carl Mumba by taking 350th wicket, recorded as the oldest player to achieve the feat. Only Muralitharan has taken more 12-wicket hauls than Herath, who has five to Murali's six. Sri Lanka whitewashed Zimbabwe 2-0 and Herath adjudged man of the match for his impressive performance.{{Cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1065563.html |title=Rangana Herath: first captain with eight-for since 1985 |website=ESPNcricinfo}} For his performances in 2016, he was named in the World Test XI by the ICC and Cricinfo.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/the-full-list-of-icc-awards-2016-winners/story-HwiwPQa1CPLmYV6y7hx6vM.html|title=The full list of ICC Awards 2016 winners|date=2016-12-22|publisher=Hindustan Times|access-date=2023-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/review2016/content/story/1073990.html|title=The trump cards of 2016|date=30 December 2016|website=Cricinfo}}

{{quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="What an incredible lad he is. So calm, so understanding, and he's always there for everyone. For the youngsters, especially, having an influence like that is very, very good. Rangana Herath is very approachable to anyone. When you come into the international set-up, everything changes - the rewards and everything around you. You have to react positively to that. To help the youngsters with that, Herath has played a big role. On the cricket side, once Murali retired his numbers tell the story. He's had a great impact, and Sri Lanka are going to miss him dearly. He falls in the bracket of the legends: the Sangakkaras, the Jayawardenes, the Muralitharans."|source=—Russell Arnold.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25186412/greatest-role-model-sri-lankan-cricket-ever-had | title='Greatest role model Sri Lankan cricket ever had' | publisher=ESPN Cricinfo | date=9 November 2018 | access-date=9 November 2018 | author=Andrew Fidel Fernando }}

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{{quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="When Murali left, everyone thought that Sri Lanka would be a little handicapped. But Rangana actually revelled in being the sole spinner for the country. I actually think he's the greatest role model that Sri Lanka cricket have ever had - the way he's played the game and the way he's entered and formed relationships with players. He's a guy that I admire a hell of a lot. I'm just sad that he's retiring, because I think Sri Lanka really need him at the moment. I don't think he's overachieved. I think his potential was immense"|source=—Kumar Sangakkara.

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{{quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="His determination shows in his whole career, to be out of the team when Murali was there, and to only get a chance later. He made sure he kept working on his game all through those years so that he could grab the opportunity when it came. It's the kind of quality you see from him on the field as well. He's the last guy from our generation who's going to call it a day, so it's a bit of an emotional thing for a few of our boys - for Sanga as well. Once Ranga got his opportunity, he showed what a great bowler he was. In the last five years he's the guy who's carried Sri Lanka through in Tests. He's from a small school in Kurunegala, going into a bigger school and then making his way into the very top level, that's just a great story."|source=—Mahela Jayawardene.

}}

Herath was appointed as the Test captain for the March 2017 Bangladesh tour in home soil, after Angelo Mathews was not able to recover from the injuries.{{cite web| url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2016-17/content/story/1084598.html |title= Herath to lead Sri Lanka, Pushpakumara called up for Bangladesh Tests | publisher= ESPN| work = ESPNcricinfo|date= 27 February 2017 | access-date= 27 February 2017}} In the fourth innings of first Test in Galle, Herath surpassed 362 test wickets by Daniel Vettori to become the most successful left-arm spinner in Test cricket history. He took six wickets at the end to give Sri Lanka a 257 runs win. With three consecutive wins, Herath became the first Sri Lanka captain to achieve this feat.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2016-17/content/story/1086430.html |title=Herath: Most wickets by a left-arm spinner |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 March 2017}} He was only the second left arm spinner to grab 350+ test wickets after Daniel Vettori in test history. In the second match, Herath reached another milestone, by dismissing Mustafizur Rahman, to record 1,000 first-class wickets. He is the second player from Sri Lanka and the 12th from the subcontinent to achieve the feat.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/story/1087239.html |title=Herath completes 1000 first-class wickets |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 March 2017}} Despite his milestones, Sri Lanka lost the match by four wickets, which is their first defeat against Bangladesh. The Test series was drawn 1–1.

Herath was appointed as the stand-in captain for the first test against India in August 2017 as the captain Dinesh Chandimal was diagnosed with pneumonia.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2017/content/story/1112142.html|title= Chandimal ruled out of Galle Test|work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 July 2017}} Herath took only one wicket and conceded 159 runs in the first innings of the visitors. During the second innings where Sri Lanka had to chase 550 runs, Herath did not bat, due to an injury suffered while fielding.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2017/content/story/1113189.html |title='We are a better team than this' - Herath |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 March 2017}} With Asela Gunaratne too ruled out of the rest of the series due to a "pretty serious" fractured thumb which he suffered on the opening day of the match,{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2017/content/story/1112637.html |title=Gunaratne out of India series, to undergo surgery on thumb |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=26 March 2017}} Sri Lanka had to play with nine players. Sri Lanka lost the Test by 304 runs, which as of February 2018 is Sri Lanka's biggest loss in term of runs in Tests.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20189947/india-biggest-away-win-sl-biggest-defeat |title=India's biggest away win, SL's biggest defeat |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 March 2017}}

During the second Test against South Africa in late 2016 at Newlands, Herath surpassed 355 test wickets of Chaminda Vaas by dismissing Kyle Abbott for LBW, becoming the second highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka.{{cite web|url= http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;team=8;template=results;type=bowling|title=Statistics / Statsguru / Test matches / Bowling records | work=ESPNcricinfo| access-date= 3 January 2017}} During the first match, Herath ended the year 2016 as the second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 57 scalps, only behind Indian Ravichandran Ashwin (72 scalps). He took 5 five-wicket hauls and 2 ten-wicket hauls in the year with economy of 2.61.{{cite web|url= http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?class=1;id=2016;type=year|title= Records / 2016 / Test matches / Most wickets| publisher= ESPN| work =ESPNcricinfo| access-date= 16 January 2017}} Despite his achievements, Sri Lanka lost all three Tests.

Herath took 1/159 in the first innings of the first Test against India in Galle. He went wicketless in the second. In the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo he took 4/154 as India won the match by an innings and 53 runs. He had complained of a stiff back during the SSC Test having bowled 42 overs. Herath had also sent down 71.1 overs in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe before the series with India and had bowled 49 overs at Galle.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2017/08/09/sports/124599/sri-lanka-suffers-big-blow-herath-ruled-out-pallekele-test-stiff-back?page=19|title=Sri Lanka suffers big blow: Herath ruled out of Pallekele Test with stiff back|work=Daily News|date=9 August 2017|access-date=11 February 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cricket-sri-lanka-herath/sri-lanka-rest-herath-for-pallekele-dead-rubber-idUKKBN1AO11C|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211131638/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cricket-sri-lanka-herath/sri-lanka-rest-herath-for-pallekele-dead-rubber-idUKKBN1AO11C|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2018|title=Sri Lanka rest Herath for Pallekele dead rubber|work=Reuters Staff|date=8 August 2017|access-date=11 February 2018}} He was rested from the final Test in Pallekele. India went on to win the series 3–0.

The first Test against Pakistan on 28 September 2017, was one of the career highlights for Herath. In the match he took his ninth ten-wicket haul which included his 32nd and 33rd five-wicket hauls guided Sri Lanka to a 21-run victory. During the match, Herath took his 100th test wicket against Pakistan by dismissing Mohammad Amir, becoming the first bowler to achieve the feat against Pakistan in Tests. Amir's wicket was his 399th scalp in tests, until he dismissed Mohammad Abbas as his 400th Test wicket. With that wicket, Herath joined elite club of 400 test wickets, becoming the first left-arm spinner, 14th overall and second Sri Lankan to achieve the milestone.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20893396/first-left-arm-spinner-400-test-wickets |title=First left-arm spinner to 400 Test wickets |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=2 October 2017}} Herath adjudged man of the match award as well for his impressive match-winning bowling performances.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18037/report/1120284/day/5/ |title=Herath's 400th wicket seals dramatic victory for Sri Lanka |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 October 2017 |access-date=2 October 2017}}

In the first Test against India Herath went wicketless on a seamer-friendly pitch in Kolkata. However, he made 67 to hand Sri Lanka a lead of 122 runs in the first innings. The rain-affected match ended in draw. In the second Test in Nagpur which Sri Lanka lost by an innings and 239 runs, Herath took 1/81 having bowled 39 overs. He had complained about back pain at the end of the Test and as a result was ruled out of the third Test in New Delhi.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-vs-sri-lanka-2017/rangana-herath-ruled-out-of-india-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-test-jeffrey-vandersay-in/story-pOrNocxwa3lGdfSvKqgBxI.html|title=Rangana Herath ruled out of India vs Sri Lanka 3rd Test, Jeffrey Vandersay in|work=Hindustan Times|date=28 November 2017|access-date=11 February 2018}} India won the series 1–0 after the 3rd Test was drawn.

In the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong, Herath took 3/150 in the first innings and 2/80 in the second. During the second Test in Mirpur, Herath surpassed Wasim Akram's tally of 414 wickets to become the most successful left-arm bowler in the history of Test cricket and moved to the 12th place in the list of leading wicket takers in Test cricket history with 415 scalps.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?bowling_hand=2;class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=wickets;template=results;type=bowling|title=Most test wickets by left arm bowlers|publisher=ESPNCricinfo|access-date=12 February 2018}} Sri Lanka now has the unique record of having the greatest ever right arm bowler, Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath, the greatest ever left arm bowler in Test cricket. Although Herath gave away 31 runs in 12 overs and went wicketless in the first innings, he took 4/49 in the second and helped Sri Lanka cruise to a three-day win over Bangladesh to win the series 1–0.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;innings_number=4;template=results;type=bowling|title=Most test wickets in 4th innings of test matches|publisher=ESPNCricinfo|access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18527/report/1130745/day/3/ |title=Dananjaya takes five as Sri Lanka clinch series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin-tendulkar-showers-praise-on-rangana-herath-after-spinner-creates-history-1811088|title=Herath becomes the leading left arm bowler in Test history|publisher=NDTV|access-date=12 February 2018}} Herath also equalled the Sri Lankan record of Muttiah Muralitharan for taking the most wickets in the fourth innings of test matches (106) and just second only to Shane Warne who has achieved 138 wickets.{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/43015101 | title = Sri Lanka v Bangladesh: Rangana Herath passes Wasim Akram in series win | work = BBC| date = 10 February 2018 | access-date = 11 February 2018}}

In May 2018, he was one of 33 cricketers to be awarded a national contract by Sri Lanka Cricket ahead of the 2018–19 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/692671 |title=Sri Lanka assign 33 national contracts with pay hike |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=22 May 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23570424/sri-lankan-players-receive-pay-hike |title=Sri Lankan players to receive pay hike |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=22 May 2018}} However, he only played one Test in Caribbean during the 3-Test match series against West Indies, where he missed the day-night test due to a split webbing in his hand, sustained during fielding drills.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18571/preview/1135151/west-indies-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-test-sl-wi-2018 |title=Sri Lanka look to refocus on cricket in pink-ball Test; Lakmal named captain |work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=10 July 2018}}

In July 2018, during an interview with BBC Sinhala, he hinted that the England tour of Sri Lanka will be his final international appearance.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24056002/rangana-herath-retire-international-cricket-november |title=Herath may retire from international cricket in November |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 July 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsmax.tv/index.php/cricket/item/13019-herath-could-quit-after-england-test-series |title=Herath could quit after England Test series |work=Sports Max |access-date=10 July 2018}}

During the second test against South Africa, he took his 34th test fifer in South Africa's second innings. With that, Sri Lanka won the match by 199 runs and sealed the series 2–0.{{cite news |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18629/report/1142582/day/4/sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-sa-sl-2018 |title=Herath six-for completes 2-0 after de Bruyn's fighting 101 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}} This was his 12th fifer in a fourth innings of a match,{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24172207/de-bruyn-joins-jonty-herath-fourth-innings-bounty |title=De Bruyn joins Jonty, and Herath's fourth-innings bounty |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 July 2018}} more than any other bowler in the history.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20893876/herath-fourth-innings-heists | title= Herath and his fourth-innings heists| date=2 October 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo }}

{{quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="It's an emotional situation, but all in all everybody has to take a decision at the right time. I'm thankful for all those years that I have played, all the people behind me, especially team-mates, Sri Lanka Cricket, I must thank every single person who's behind me. It's been a privilege and honour to play for my country, because in Sri Lanka we have 22 million people, so very few get the opportunity to play for Sri Lanka, so that's a remarkable achievement and honour for any player."|source=—Rangana Herath.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25223315/rangana-herath-retires-saying-right-go | title=Rangana Herath retires saying it's 'the right time' to go | publisher=ESPNcricinfo | date=9 November 2018 | access-date=9 November 2018 | author=ESPN Cricinfo staff }}

}}

In July 2018, Herath hinted that he thinks to retire from international cricket in November, after the England series.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24056002/rangana-herath-retire-international-cricket-november |title=Herath may retire from international cricket in November |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=6 November 2018}} On 22 October, he announced that he retire from Test cricket after the first Test against England at Galle. He is the last Test cricketer to retire after making his debut in the 20th century.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25050206/rangana-herath-retire-first-england-test |title=Rangana Herath to retire after first England Test |work=ESPN Cricinfo |date=22 October 2018 |access-date=6 November 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25184387/he-looks-club-cricketer-mental-strength-unbelievable-paul-farbrace-rangana |title='He looks like a club cricketer but his mental strength is unbelievable' - Paul Farbrace on Rangana Herath |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=6 November 2018}}

He played his last Test match at his favorite venue Galle International Stadium on 6 November 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18602/preview/1140385/sri-lanka-vs-england-1st-test-eng-in-sl-2018-19 |title=Galle up for grabs as spinners prepare to take centre stage |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=6 November 2018}} He scored 14 runs in the first innings and 5 runs in the second innings, until he run out as the last victim in Sri Lanka innings. Even Sri Lanka lost the match by 221 runs, Herath took the wicket of Joe Root as his 100th wicket in Galle International Stadium. With that, he became only the second Sri Lankan, third bowler and first left arm bowler to take 100 Test wickets at a single venue.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25190760/ben-foakes-shows-class-debut-lift-england-adversity |title=Ben Foakes shows class on debut to lift England from adversity |work=ESPN Cricinfo |date=6 November 2018 |access-date=6 November 2018}} In the second innings, Herath took two wickets and finished his 19 years of career. As said by skipper Chandimal, the match was dedicated to Herath.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/900631 |title=Sri Lanka look to bid Herath farewell in style |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=6 November 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25174603/honed-lean-years-rangana-herath-prepares-final-feast |title=Honed by the lean years, Rangana Herath prepares for final feast |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=6 November 2018}}

The ground was covered by many tributes to Herath highlighting that "Good Bye Legend Herath", and "Thank You Herath".{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} Until his retirement from Tests, Herath is the 8th highest wicket taker of all time.{{Cite news |date=2018-11-10 |title=Rangana Herath retires as the eighth ranked bowler in ICC's latest Test rankings |url=https://www.crictracker.com/rangana-herath-retires-as-the-eighth-ranked-bowler-in-iccs-latest-test-rankings/ |access-date=2022-03-07 |website=CricTracker |language=en|author1=Crictracker }}

In November 2020, Herath was nominated for the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Decade award.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30385388/virat-kohli,-kane-williamson,-steven-smith,-joe-root-nominated-icc-men-cricketer-decade-award |title=Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith, Joe Root nominated for ICC men's cricketer of the decade award |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=25 November 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1908769 |title=ICC Awards of the Decade announced |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=25 November 2020}}

His best bowling figures are 9/127 against Pakistan in 2014, 18th time in Test cricket a bowler took 9 or more wickets in an innings.{{cite web |url= http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;type=bowling;view=innings;wicketsmin1=9;wicketsval1=wickets |title= Statistics / Statsguru / Test matches / Bowling records |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=31 January 2015}} His best T20I figures of 5/3 are the third best ever in T20 Internationals.{{cite web |url= http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=3;filter=advanced;orderby=wickets;template=results;type=bowling;view=innings;wicketsmin1=5;wicketsval1=wickets |title= Statistics / Statsguru / Twenty20 Internationals / Bowling records |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=31 January 2015}}

As of May 2022, Herath's 34 five-wicket hauls in Tests and one in a T20Is, ranks him seventh among all-time combined five-wicket haul takers, and second in the equivalent list for Sri Lanka, behind Muttiah Muralitharan.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;filter=advanced;orderby=five_wickets;template=results;type=bowling;wicketsmin1=5;wicketsval1=wickets |title=Combined Test, ODI and T20I records: Most five-wicket hauls in a career |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=12 September 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007181014/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dfive_wickets%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbowling%3Bwicketsmin1%3D5%3Bwicketsval1%3Dwickets |archivedate=7 October 2012 }}

In June 2021, Herath was appointed as the spin bowling consultant of the Bangladesh national cricket team by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).{{Cite web|agency=AFP|date=Jun 26, 2021|title=Rangana Herath, Ashwell Prince join Bangladesh cricket team coaching staff {{!}} Cricket News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/rangana-herath-ashwell-prince-join-bangladesh-cricket-team-coaching-staff/articleshow/83870648.cms|access-date=2021-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2021-06-26|title=Herath, Prince join Bangladesh cricket team coaching staff|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/779871/herath-prince-join-bangladesh-cricket-team-coaching-staff/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Daily Times|language=en-US}} He replaced Daniel Vettori who served as spin bowling coach from July 2019.

In September 2024, Herath was named as the spin bowling coach of the New Zealand national cricket team for the test series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rangana-herath-vikram-rathour-join-new-zealand-test-team-for-asian-challenge-1450008 |title=Herath, Rathour join NZ Test team for short-term roles |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=6 September 2024}}

{{main|List of international cricket five-wicket hauls by Rangana Herath}}

• Most wickets by a left-arm bowler (433) in Test cricket history.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22388193/rangana-herath-akila-dananjaya-rewrite-record-books |title=Rangana Herath and Akila Dananjaya rewrite record books |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite web | url=http://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/rangana-herath-becomes-most-successful-left-arm-bowler-in-test-cricket-1656725.html| title= Herath Becomes Most Successful Left Arm Bowler in Test Cricket| date=11 February 2018| work=News18 }}
• Second bowler for Sri Lanka to take 400 Test wickets.
• First left-arm spin bowler to take 400 Test wickets.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20893396/first-left-arm-spinner-400-test-wickets|title=Herath: first left-arm spinner to 400 Test wickets|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2 October 2017}}
• Third bowler after Muralitharan and Dale Steyn to take five-wicket hauls against every other Test playing nation.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1065241.html | title= Herath completes the five-for set| date=8 November 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo }}
• Second Sri Lankan bowler to claim 1000 First-class wickets.
• Herath along with Thilina Kandamby set the record for the highest partnership for the 7th wicket in List A matches (203* v South Africa A).{{cite web | url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283615.html | title= Partnership records for each wicket In List A| date=16 March 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo }}

{{reflist}}

• {{ESPNcricinfo|id=49178}}
• [http://www.wisdenindia.com/player/Sri-Lanka/Rangana-Herath/1213.html Rangana-Herath] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726021018/http://www.wisdenindia.com/player/Sri-Lanka/Rangana-Herath/1213.html |date=26 July 2014 }}'s profile page on Wisden

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