Sri Lanka wins second T20 over Pakistan to retain top spot in ICC rankings

Sri Lanka retained their status as the world's top Twenty20 team by beating Pakistan by 24 runs in a thrilling finish to the second game in Dubai, according to reports.

According to News.com.au, the win also levelled the two-match series at 1-1 after Pakistan won the first match by three wickets on Wednesday.

Kusal Perera hit a career best 59-ball 84 and spinner Sachitra Senanayake took three wickets in a match with full of runs and records, the report said.

The series draw kept Sri Lanka at No.1 in the Twenty20 rankings, shattering Pakistan's hopes of claiming the top spot in any form of the game for the first time, the report added.

Chasing a daunting 212-run target, Pakistan finished at 187 in 19.2 overs with Sharjeel Khan scoring 50 and Sohail Tanvir making 41, the report further said.

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal was excited at holding on to the number one ranking, the report mentioned.