Charity organisation World Vision thanked the galaxy of stars who descended on the Melbourne Cricket Ground and helped raise over 14.5 million Australian dollars (Rs 50 crore approx) to help the tsunami victims in Asia in the first of the two benefit matches.

"Cricketers did this as part of a wave of compassion. We cannot bring back the lost lives but we can give hopes to those alive, to say you are not alone. We will see you through this," World Vision's Tim Costello said.

Costello received a cheque of Aus dollars 14,645,123.85, raised from the match, from Bob Merriman, Chief of Cricket Australia.

ICC CEO Malcolm Speed said the two matches, the next one coming up in Asia, would be the centrepiece of cricket's contribution for the tsunami survivors.

"This match and the next one to be played in Asia, will be the centrepiece of cricket's contribution for the survivors of tsunami to help them rebuild their lives," Speed said.

Thanking all those involved in the staging of the match, Speed said "it is humbling to see how the cricket world has united."

The Asian Cricket Council, Cricket Australia and the ICC full member countries all got togther to make this a success, Speed said.

"Over two weeks we witnessed natural disasters of such magnitude that we wish not to see again in our life time... Cricket children in Chennai and the cricket venue in Galle, Sri Lanka was among the affected by the tsunami," Speed said.

World XI captain Ricky Ponting said people from all over had called him to expres their solidarity.

"It is a very special match. All the 70,000 fans, who packed the stadium, deserve a round of applause," he said.

"Cricket community has done a great contribution to put a few smiles back on the faces of the victims," added Ponting, who slammed a majestic century to help World XI beat Asia XI by 112 runs, said.

Asia XI skipper Sourav Ganguly felt the match would help boost much-needed funds for the relief work in the affected regions of Asia.

"It's cricket's way of helping the victims and that's why all the cricketers from Asia have travelled down to Melbourne," he said.

The world team scored a mammoth 344 for eight off their 50 overs with Ponting getting fine support from New Zealand allrounder Chris Cairns who scored 69.

In reply, Asia XI were all out for 232 in 39.5 overs with Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid making 75 while Virender Sehwag made 45.

Match Report