Younis Khan is headed for Adelaide for part of the 2008-09 season © AFP

South Australia's hunt for a big-name signing has finally come off with Younis Khan, the Pakistan batsman, agreeing to a short-term deal with the state for the 2008-09 season. The Redbacks made their plans known last week after failing to convince any major Australian players to move to Adelaide and the coach Mark Sorell was pleased to have his man.

"Securing a batsman of Younis' calibre will provide our young South Australian batsmen with unprecedented experience," he said. "Our top order is really excited by the news. We expect Younis will play a key role in making sure the Redbacks are competitive this season and ensuring our bowlers have good targets to work with."

Sorell said there were specific details of the deal that still needed to be arranged but he expected Younis to arrive before the start of the domestic season in October. Younis will only be available until shortly before Christmas due to Pakistan's Test and one-day commitments with India. If South Australia make the finals of either the Pura or FR Cups he may be free to return.