Arjuna Ranatunga scripted Sri Lanka's greatest sporting victory in 1996, when the island nation won the 50-over World Cup by defeating favorites Australia.

At age 18, he made his Test debut in Sri Lanka's first Test and holds the record for scoring the country's first half-century in the format. In the first half of his career, the left-hander also bowled medium pace.

After retiring from cricket, Ranatunga entered politics, serving as a minister multiple times. He also served as a chairman of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board.