D'Silva, man of the match in Sri Lanka's World Cup final triumph over Australia earlier this year and the side's most consistent one day batsman since that time, will join the Auckland side in time for the start of the competition, which begins on De- cember six.

``He is one of the top three or four cricketers in the world right now, a real class act especially in one day cricket,'' said Auckland Cricket Association chief executive Lindsay Crocker. ``We are satisfied that he will do the business on the park,'' he added, reflecting the team's hope that the dashing Lankan batsman would be a huge draw with the crowds when the tournament kicks off later this year.