Cricket: Sri Lanka over the moon after Pakistan win

DUBAI, December 14, 2013 (AFP) - Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal said his team were over the moon on keeping their world number one status intact with a win against Pakistan in the second Twenty20 in Dubai on Friday.



The 24-run win levelled the two-match series 1-1 and dashed Pakistan's hopes of replacing Sri Lanka as the number one team in the Twenty20 rankings.

Chandimal said his team showed great resolve in their comeback win after losing the first match, which was also in Dubai, by three wickets.

"We are over the moon. We keep our No. 1 rankings and it's a matter of great delight," said Chandimal after the match.

Openers Kusal Perera (59-ball 84) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (33-ball 48) set the platform for a big 211-3 total, putting up 100 by the 12th over.

Seekkuge Prasanna, playing his first Twenty20 hit an aggressive eight-ball 21 while the experienced Kumar Sangakkara gave the final touches with a rapid 21-ball 44.

"Kusal and Dilshan batted really well.

After that Seekkuge and Sangakkara batted well at the end. You know he's a legend (Sangakkara)," said Chandimal, who admitted beating Pakistan was not easy.

"They played exceptionally well so we had to come back.

They have some ver