Tamil Nadu Born Sivakumar Periyalwar Guides Romania To A Record-Breaking T20I Win

Indian-origin software engineer cum cricketer Sivakumar Periyalwar created history when he powered Romania to a massive win over Turkey at the Romania Cup. Sivakumar scored a match-winning century to help his side secure a towering 173-run victory.

Meanwhile, with this win, Romania broke a 12-year-old T20I record for the highest margin of runs held by Sri Lanka. The Islander had notched the record when they defeated Kenya in the 2007 ICC World T20 by 172 runs. Sivakumar Periyalwar became the first Romanian batsman to score a century in their history and help them secure the landmark.

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Sivakumar remained unbeaten 105 off just 40 deliveries to take his team to a daunting 226 for 6 in 20 overs. He revealed that he used to play cricket occasionally for a club side from where he made it to the national side. Sivakumar Periyalwar was also short of words while describing his feeling after the century.

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“I can’t explain because I am an engineer working at a software company here. I used to play on weekends for Cluj Cricket Club. The last two years we were the champions of the national T20 tournament. Based on my performance I got selected in the national team,” he told indianexpress.com.

https://www.facebook.com/CricketRomania/videos/413116432668391/

A native of Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, Sivakumar Periyalwar and was among the millions of youngsters in the country who aspired to play cricket. He got to the three-figure mark in the final over of Romania’s innings. However, Periyalwar said he had no idea that he was approaching a major milestone.

“Actually, I had no idea (laughs). After 15 overs, I started to hit and go for a big score and increase the run rate. My teammates encouraged me to hit more boundaries. I just wanted to get a big score on the board for the team,” he concluded.

Romania are currently at the top of the points table with two wins. The 31-year-old Sivakumar Periyalwar also played in the European cricket league alongside Pavel Florin, who became an internet sensation for his bowling action.