Annual SINTEZ-MM TROPHY has been opened on the 24th of June 2006 for the 13th consecutive time in the 2nd biggest city of Belarus, Gomel. This is the first time that such type of tournament being held in the other city except Minsk. This has become a beginning of a new tradition. This was done specially for the advertisement of Cricket in the different cities if Belarus and to attract more Belarusian to play this excellent game.
On the auspicious opening ceremony Mr. R.K. Tyagi, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Belarus, Dr. Upendra Mahato, Honorary Consul general of Kingdom of Nepal to the Republic of Belarus, his Advisor Dr. Niraj Govind Shrestha, Dr. Akulich V.V. President of Sintez-MM Company, deputy governor of the Gomel Region, Dean of the Medical University and Engineering University with the General Director of the “GOMSELMASH” (a heavy equipment factory specialized in agricultural instrument) were the guest of honor. For the first time in the history of Belarus cricket, cricket has been played on the grass ground with leather ball in use. Ground was provided by GOMSELMASH Company. This is the second biggest stadium in Gomel city. City authority was informed about the event in advance and they supported the event fully. There were several news reports on the local TV, radio and papers. Security for the participants was provided by the police department.
There were five teams participated in this tournament named Gomel State Medical University’s cricket team-1, Gomel State Medical University’s cricket team -2, Srilanka-11, Grodno State Medical University cricket team and SAARC-11. Teams from Latvia and Estonia promised to come, but they denied in the last moment. In the opening ceremony opening speeches were delivered by the chief guest and other honorary guests. Stadium was decorated beautifully and flags of different countries were kept. Belarusian folk dance was shown and flag of Belarus and Nepal has been raised on the ground. First match was played between SAARC-11, winner of the 12th tournament and Grodno State Medical University team. SAARC won the first match easily. Grodno made 84 all out first batting and was followed up by SAARC-11 with the loss of 7 wickets in 13 overs. During the tournament there were several interesting and breathtaking events happened. GSMU-1 team proved to be strongest team of the tournament. They chased SAARC-11 in the 3rd league match, who scored 118 loosing all the wickets, GSMU-1 won the match in the last two balls after loosing 9 wickets, when Brahma Shankar of the GSMU-1 hit continuous two huge sixes to the main fast bowler of the SAARC-11. That was the deciding moment of that match. Fortunately weather was excellent during the match, except a short shower in the 2nd day of the tournament. But it didn’t disturb the match. For the first time spectator in the Gomel enjoyed the great game of cricket. An information pamphlet in Russian language was made and distributed to the spectators, so that they can understand what is happening on the ground. At the same time commentary has been done about the match on the loudspeaker in Russian language. All this activities made this tournament peculiar in it self. After the league match 3 teams SAARC-11, GSMU-1 and Sri Lanka have equal point, each winning 3 matches. Final teams were decided on the basis of Net Run Rate and first two teams having higher Net Run Rate played the final match. Final match was played between GSMU-1 and SAARC-11 on the 28th of June. It was the same team last year fighting in the final match. It was a great match between these two strong teams. GSMU-1 batting first made 101 runs loosing 6 wickets in 19.5 overs in the 25 over match. Nirav Patel of GSMU-1 scored total of 30 runs with 3 excellent sixes. In the reply SAARC team started with one after another fall of wickets. They were able to score only 40 when bowlers, specially Jitendra Singh Tomar taking 4 wickets, of GSMU-1 destroyed SAARC’s batting line within 11.4 overs. Nirav Patel of GSMU-1 was declared as Best Batman for his excellent performance in all the league matches scoring total of 103 runs. Best bowler award is picked up by Jimmy George from GSMU-1 (dismissed total 9 batsmen) and Best all rounder by Imtiaz Ali of SAARC-11. In the closing ceremony honor of guest was Indian Ambassador to the Belarus, Advisor to the consul of Nepal and Chief of sport and tourism department of the city council.
Runner up team was awarded with a cup certificate of participation and winners were awarded with a cup, medals and certificated. Best bowler, best batsman and all rounder were also awarded with souvenirs.
The tournament was highly appreciated by the ambassador of the India and other guests present during the opening and closing ceremony. Dr. Upendra Mahato, honorary consul of Nepal, promised to continue this tournament in the Gomel city in future.
Chief organizer of the tournament was Dr. Kaushal Tiwari.
Main sponsor of the tournament was Dr. Upendra Mahato, Sintez-MM group.
