Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara produced a man-of-the-match display in his last T20 international to lead his side to the world title against India in Dhaka yesterday.

The wicketkeeper-batsman hit an unbeaten 52 from 35 balls as Sri Lanka chased down their target of 131 with 13 balls and six wickets to spare.

It was his side's first T20 title in five tournaments and followed two previous defeats in the final, including against the West Indies last time out.

"It's been a long time coming," Sangakarra said. "It means a lot to all of us."

Fellow veteran Mahela Jayawardene had also announced his retirement before the tournament and together they ensured a glorious exit.

Jayawardene laid the foundation for the chase with 24 at a run a ball before Sangakkara, ably aided by Thisara Perera (23 from 17 balls), pushed his side to victory.

Perera hit the winning runs when he lofted spinner Ravichandran Ashwin back over his head for four.

The win was Sri Lanka's first major title since the 1996 World Cup and prevented India from holding all three limited-overs titles at the same time.

India had been forced to defend a below-par total despite Virat Kohli continuing his white-hot form.

The right-hander crashed 77 from 58 balls before he was run out from the final ball.

Kohli had been given a life on 11 when Lasith Malinga grassed a tough chance.

Kohli helped to belt 16 from the 16th over but India were unable to launch a late assault as just 19 runs were taken from the final four overs.

Yuvraj Singh mustered 11 from 21 balls before holing out off Nuwan Kulasekara, and even MS Dhoni failed to fire.

It proved crucial as Sri Lanka were always on target.

India's hopes were raised when Jayawardene and Lahiru Thirimanne fell around the halfway mark.

But Sri Lanka sent in Perera to pinch-hit and he and Sangakkara completed a landmark win without further trouble.