Dynamic batsman arrives in style

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 Sri Lankan superstar Tillakaratne Dilshan barely had time to introduce himself to his new team-mates before he was thrust into action for the Northern Knights in yesterday's Twenty20 victory over the Wellington Firebirds.

While it wasn't the perfect start for the 33-year-old – he scored only four runs – Knights fans can expect many a firework from the opener who is still enjoying a huge rise in his cricketing stocks.

Dilshan arrived on to Mt Maunganui's Blake Park in star-fashion – via helicopter – and walked straight into his new side's warm-up.

While he failed yesterday, it is expected the dashing batsmen will prove a much needed spark to the ND batting line-up.

"I didn't get the chance to bat long but that might be in the next couple of games," Dilshan said.

"The thing is as an international cricketer you've got to be ready for any conditions, that's why I came here and said I was ready to play."

After missing the Knights' opening five games because of international tri-series tournament commitments for Sri Lanka, Dilshan said he was now looking to perform as ND's overseas signing and get the team into a strong position.

"Definitely the target is to come to the final, then we have to win the tournament," he said.

After seeing what the side had to offer today, the Sri Lankan sensation was impressed with the talent in his new team.

As well as being a dynamic batsman, Dilshan bowls tidy off-spin and provides handy wicketkeeping cover.

He played with Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League, but Vettori, who seems to be responsible for everything else cricket in New Zealand these days, had nothing to do with signing the Sri Lankan.

"I don't think Dan knew before I signed here."

His signing is a major coup for ND and Dilshan's tremendous recent form saw him named as player of the tournament at last year's Twenty20 World Cup, scoring a remarkable 317 runs in seven matches.

At the tournament he provided many a thrill with the amazing flick shot over his head to the boundary, now known as the Dilscoop.

"If I batted two or three more overs today I definitely would have liked to play my Dilscoop," he said.

"Definitely I'm going to play it in the next couple of matches."

Since the start of last year Dilshan has had a remarkable time of it.

He endured a scary episode in Pakistan in March when the Sri Lankan bus was attacked by gunmen, but on the field Dilshan has been arguably the world's most successful player.

He scored five of his six ODI hundreds, racked up six of his 11 test tons and scored all five of his Twenty20 international fifties.

He credits moving up the order as the key to his recent success.

"The thing is I think I got into the best position in my life after opening.

"I think that's changed a lot for my career, rather than batting number six, I feel easier, I can use that first powerplay then I can use that advantage and if I've got a start I can go for a big one."

- © Fairfax NZ News