While Mendis is ranked first, Lasith Malinga is ranked 10 in the first ever T20 bowling rankings

The rankings were launched in Dubai by the ICC in a lavish ceremony attended by Sri Lanka and Pakistan players and other leading cricket personalities.

Sri Lanka were rated second behind England in new rankings.

While Mahela Jayawardene was adjudged as the world’s No4 batsmen in T20 rankings, skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara are among the top ten batsmen.

"Having these rankings launched now is exciting because it reminds everyone that there is an ICC World Twenty20 coming up in Sri Lanka,” said Tillakaratne Dilshan.

T20 World Cup

Reigning ICC World Twenty20 champion England was unveiled as the number-one ranked side while Eoin Morgan of England, and Australia’s Shane Watson were announced the top-ranked batsman, and all-rounder, respectively.

Sri Lanka’s players regaining their previous top form will be a huge boost for the younger players SLC chairman, Upali Dharmadasa

Sri Lanka can top the rankings if India beats England and Sri Lanka defeats Pakistan in the forthcoming T20Is.

"We have always sought to play positive cricket and over the last couple of ICC Twenty20s we have had a good mix in our team with youngsters and the experience of Sanga' and Mahela. That has served us well,” added Dilshan.

“Having these rankings launched now is exciting because it reminds everyone that there is an ICC World Twenty20 coming up in Sri Lanka and we are really looking forward to that."

Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Upali Dharmadasa told BBC Sandeshaya that Sri Lankans ranked among the top was “great news” for the game in the island nation.

"Sri Lanka's players regaining their previous top form will be a huge boost for the younger players,” he said.