Southern Smash 2022: Romanian cult figure Pavel Florin entertains crowd in super over exhibition

Romanian cult figure Pavel Florin lapped up every opportunity that came his way in the fourth edition of Albany’s Southern Smash last week.

The 43-year-old, made famous in 2019 after a video of him surfaced bowling for his local side Cluj Cricket Club in the European Cricket League, was a crowd favourite at the two-day T20 spectacular on December 29 and 30.

Florin took to the field for the Retravision Warriors in the tournament and was set to face off with retired Australian batter Mark Cosgrove in a special super over on Friday.

But after the late withdrawal of Cosgrove due to family reasons, Smash organisers made sure the show went on.

Jacco Mantel from Albany Irrigation and Drilling, the competition’s naming rights sponsor, was used for the super over, taking on the Transylvanian icon.

While that pair took centrestage on the main wicket, the Southerly Magazine masters team made up of local players went out into the field — many with beer in hand for the fun couple of overs.

With his trademark bowling style Florin took a wicket, to the delight of the crowd, and struck a couple of strong strokes with the bat but ultimately fell a couple of runs short.

Regional young gun Cooper Dehring was the non-striker for both players in the super over and then got a crack at one “super ball” delivery for both sides.

Earlier Florin took a wicket for the Warriors, dismissing WA Premier cricketer Iszak Milentis.

Milentis spooned a ball to short cover and was caught for 35, sparking wild celebrations from the Romanian international who ran jumping and high-fiving teammates.

Florin returned figures of 1-12 from 1.5 overs as his Warriors were well beaten.

After the dismissal Florin posted to his 11,000 followers on Twitter saying: “When the skipper gives you a chance you take it!”

He was a much sought-after figure as kids in the crowd spent time chatting with him while he also posed for photos and warmed up his bowling arm with them.

Florin took part in various media interviews and posted plenty of pictures and videos of his timto his social media platforms.

“I came here to enjoy my cricket and see a new part of the world,” Florin said.

“This has been a very good tournament ... it has been great to experience something like this.”