Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara says he is happy to have played a part in Jamaica Tallawahs victory in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League.

Sangakkara, who joined Tallawahs following the departure of Pakistani opener Ahmad Shehzad, due to international duties, played an integral part in their success.

He made a man-of-the-match unbeaten 50 in the semi-finals to lead Tallawahs to a seven-wicket win over Barbados Tridents in his first game.

This was then followed up with 13 against Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final in another seven-wicket winning performance.

"That is what they brought me here to do to help the team win the tournament," said Sangakkara.

"It was a great experience as I really enjoyed playing with the guys. They are a wonderful bunch of players."

Sangakkara, who in addition to runs brought stability to Tallawahs batting, also said while following most of the tournament via the media, he was impressed generally with the application of the team.

"I think it was an outstanding win as the guys played very well throughout the tournament," he said.

"It is the big moments that count and in the final the skipper (Chris Gayle) stood and put his hand up.

"He is a big player, and he played well on the big occasion.

"I also thought André Russell was fantastic in both the semi-finals and the final, and throughout the tournament.

"I also think the team's bowling was great and the fielding was spot on. Everybody did a good job."

The wicketkeeper batsman, who is presently ranked third and fourth in the ICC Test and one-day international rankings, said he was looking forward to making a return next year.

"I would love to come back next year and hopefully I get the opportunity," he said.

"It was a good tournament, the quality of cricket was high, and the spectators liked it, and I was happy to be a part of it."