Top 3 performances of Rangana Herath in Test Cricket

Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka’s legendary left-arm orthodox spinner, emerged as the team’s premier wicket-taker in Tests following the retirement of Muttiah Muralitharan. He was known for his exceptional accuracy, subtle variations in pace and flight, and remarkable consistency. He proved to be a match-winner not only in spin-friendly conditions but also overseas. Over the course of his illustrious career, Herath played 93 Test matches and claimed 433 wickets, including 34 five-wicket hauls and 20 four-wicket hauls.

Here are top 3 performances of Rangana Herath in Tests:

12/171 vs England, Galle, 2012

Herath delivered a match-winning performance in the first Test against England at Galle in 2012, guiding Sri Lanka to a 75-run victory. Sri Lanka posted 318 in their first innings, thanks to a magnificent 180 from Mahela Jayawardene, while James Anderson picked up 5/72 for England.

In response, England managed 193, with Ian Bell top-scoring with 52. Herath starred with the ball, claiming 6/74 in 19 overs. Sri Lanka then added 214 in their second innings, with Prasanna Jayawardene contributing an unbeaten 61, setting England a target of 340. Despite a fighting century from Jonathan Trott (112), England were bowled out for 264. Herath once again led the charge with 6/97 in 38 overs, finishing with match figures of 12/171 and playing a pivotal role in the win.

14/184 vs Pakistan, Colombo, 2014

One of Herath’s finest performances came against Pakistan in Colombo in 2014, where he recorded extraordinary match figures of 14/184. Sri Lanka scored 320 in their first innings, with Upul Tharanga contributing 92, while Junaid Khan took 5/87. Pakistan responded with 332, with Sarfaraz Ahmed scoring a brilliant 103 and Ahmed Shehzad adding 58. Herath was the standout bowler, claiming a stunning 9/127 in 33.1 overs. 

Sri Lanka then posted 282 in their second innings, with contributions from Kumar Sangakkara (59) and Mahela Jayawardene (54), setting Pakistan a target of 271. The visitors were bowled out for 165, with Herath picking up another five-wicket haul (5/57). His 14-wicket match haul was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 105-run victory.

13/145 vs Australia, Colombo, 2016

Herath produced another iconic performance against Australia in Colombo in 2016, finishing with match figures of 13/145. Sri Lanka scored 355 in their first innings, powered by centuries from Dinesh Chandimal (132) and Dhananjaya de Silva (129). Mitchell Starc took 5/63 for Australia. Australia replied strongly with 379 on the back of centuries from Steven Smith (119) and Shaun Marsh (130). Herath was once again the star, taking 6/81 in 38.1 overs.

In the second innings, Sri Lanka declared at 347/8, with Kaushal Silva scoring 115 and Dhananjaya de Silva adding an unbeaten 65, setting Australia a target of 324. The visitors were bowled out for 160, with Herath dismantling the batting lineup with 7/64 in 18.1 overs. Sri Lanka won the match by 163 runs, with Herath earning the Player of the Match award and later being named Player of the Series for his outstanding tally of 28 wickets.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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