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English international cricketer Dimitri Mascarenhas will play for Otago in the State Shield and State Twenty20 tournaments this summer.
Mascarenhas has established a reputation as a massive hitter, an economical bowler and top fieldsman in his 12-month international career.
"I'm delighted to be a part of the Otago set-up and am really looking forward to playing some good cricket for them next season," said Mascarenhas who once hit five sixes in one over against India.
"Playing cricket in New Zealand has always been something I've wanted to do as I love the country and Otago seemed an obvious destination with such a talented playing list who will be looking for success.
"After my experiences playing ODI and T20 cricket for England and in the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals, I really feel like I have something to offer Otago in terms of leadership and experience.
"I've had positive conversations with (coach) Mike Hesson and (captain) Craig Cumming over the past few weeks so I really can't wait to get out there and meet the boys."
He was born in England of Sri Lankan parents but was raised in Perth before returning to England to take up a county contract with Hampshire where he made his first class debut in 1996.
"Dimitri is a dynamic cricketer with the ability to win a match on his own," Otago Cricket chief executive Ross Dykes said.
- NZPA
