Chaminda Vaas

Sri Lankan left-arm fast-medium bowler who took 355 Test wickets and was instrumental in Sri Lanka's 1996 Cricket World Cup victory.

Born in Mattumagala, a small town in southern Sri Lanka, Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas emerged from humble beginnings to become one of cricket's most dependable fast bowlers. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, he honed his skills on local grounds before catching the attention of selectors through consistent performances in domestic cricket. Vaas made his international debut in 1994 and quickly established himself as Sri Lanka's premier pace bowler. His left-arm fast-medium delivery, combined with exceptional control and the ability to swing the ball both ways, made him a formidable opponent across all formats. He formed a devastating new-ball partnership with Muttiah Muralitharan, creating one of cricket's most successful bowling combinations. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, Vaas consistently troubled world-class batsmen with his accuracy and movement off the pitch. His most memorable achievement came against Zimbabwe in 2001 when he took eight wickets for 19 runs, including a hat-trick in the first over—a feat unmatched in One Day International cricket. This performance exemplified his ability to deliver under pressure and capitalize on favorable conditions. In Test cricket, Vaas claimed over 350 wickets, becoming Sri Lanka's leading pace bowler and one of the few fast bowlers from the subcontinent to achieve sustained success across different playing conditions worldwide. Vaas retired from international cricket in 2009, leaving behind a legacy as Sri Lanka's most successful fast bowler and one of the most economical in world cricket. His longevity, professionalism, and ability to perform consistently at the highest level for over 15 years established him as a role model for aspiring cricketers. Beyond statistics, his contribution to Sri Lankan cricket's golden era, particularly during their rise as a major cricket nation, remains invaluable to the sport's history.

Left-arm fast-medium bowler with exceptional accuracy and swing

Sri Lanka's greatest fast bowler who mentored a generation of pacemen

• ICC Cricket World Cup 1996
• ICC Champions Trophy 2002