As a part of World Cricket's contribution to the tsunami appeal, the first game of Asia XI vs. World XI came to an end with the world crushing Asia (as usual) by a margin of 111 runs. Wow!

The match was not about winning. It was about the spirit of the game used for the cause to help the ones in need. And the event which gathered the top cricketers on the planet to raise money for the tsunami relief fund ended up becoming far more successful than anyone expected. The entire event raised a sum of over fourteen and a half million Australian dollars ($14,645,123) which was eventually handed over to World Vision Australia.

Contributions flew from many corners, starting from tickets and entrance fees to souvenirs and private donations. Some of the most highlighting forms of contributions were from 3 Mobile which offered $1,000 for each run scored by the players. They ended up contribution $576,000 for a total of 576 runs scored by both teams. Another was from Toyota who offered fifty grands for each six. As the match closed with a total of seven sixes, they ended up contributing $350,000 in addition to another $500,000.

When I first heard about the match, and specially the World XI team, I knew who would end up winning it. Given the fact that the match was played in MCG and half of the world team comprised Australians. But it was a great game to watch. Ponting was startling as usual and Cairns made his knock worth the price. Murali did what he could in his comeback performance, but the World XI line up was much too strong. Not to mention that McGrath wanted to be a part of that strength in batting! Too bad, he failed big time! He however, did well in what he's really good at and so did Vettori.

For the Asian XI, which I thought was some what a horrible selection, Shewag and Dravid tried their very best. But Cricket is a team game and without the rest, there's no way just two guys could make it through. I was wondering whether Ponting was even considering giving the Asians a chance to score a bit more. It was not about the match result, but the final figure on the check. But since he graciously collected 265 grands by himself, he might have taken it as trivial.

I thought one of the greatest moments in the game was Steve Waugh's appearence. Wasn't it great to see him in the field, at least for a short while. I'm sure he was the one refered to as 'not so young'. Another was Tendulkar's 13th man show up! All in all it was one game that will be remembered for a long time. I was sad not to have been there. But two weeks from now, when the second round fires, the World will witness Asia's strength in a way they have never seen before. I desperatly hope so.

Memorabilia on this game including the coin and player's match-worn t-shirts are on auction at eBay. Check out the hot cakes: Ricky's and Warny's Shirts. For more information on World Cricket's contribution and to donate to the cause visit World Vision: Reach Out To Asia and cricinfo for the Score Card.