ICC vow to help Pakistan host matches

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to back Pakistan's efforts to resume international cricket in their own country and said it would provide financial assistance for security needs.

Pakistan is currently hosting a World XI cricket team for three T20 games in the eastern city of Lahore, a series that is being touted as a watershed moment for those bidding to restore international cricket in the country.

The World XI ensured the three-match series would go down to the wire after securing a dramatic seven-wicket victory with one ball remaining.

Sri Lankan allrounder Thisara Perera arrived at the crease with World XI needing 69 from the final six overs and he provided the fireworks to snatch victory with an explosive 47 from just 19 deliveries.

In a devastating spell, which saw him smash five maximums, he hit a match-winning six off Rumman Raees.

ICC chief executive David Richardson called the matches an "important stepping stone" for Pakistan to earn the "confidence of the international sporting community".

Pakistan has hosted only one international series since militants attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009, wounding six players and killing two civilians and six security officials.

"The ICC has already agreed to invest in security and improving the security capabilities for a three-year period," Richardson said, adding that he would like to see other countries sending their teams to Pakistan.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday ahead of the second match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Richardson said the matches were an example of the "the cricket family ... sticking together to help a particular member country."

Pakistan won the series opener on Monday by 20 runs, spurred by a quick-fire 86 by batsman Babar Azam before holding off a star-studded World XI batting line-up led by South African captain Faf du Plessis.