Speaking at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas on Monday, Schirgi was specifically asked about Iran, whose participation in the World Cup is uncertain due to the war waged on the country by Israel and the United States.

The Iraqis are due to face either Suriname or Bolivia on March 31 in the Mexican city of Monterrey for a place in the World Cup finals, but with Iraqi airspace closed until April 1, Arnold's squad is unable to gather or travel.

“At times, it feels like a boxer entering a fight with one arm tied behind his back," Bangladesh coach Butler said after Uzbekistan clash.

What started as a tournament overshadowed by political drama and uncertainty eventually delivered thrilling cricket, unforgettable moments and a historic triumph for the hosts.

In the other match in Group B, Uzbekistan thrashed tournament debutants Bangladesh 4-0 to keep their hopes alive of reaching the knockout rounds as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Peter Butler-coached team responded strongly towards the end of the half, mounting sustained pressure and creating a couple of promising opportunities.

Butler has also brought back experienced defender Sheuli Azim in place of Nabiran Khatun, while Tohura Khatun returns to the lineup, replacing fellow forward Shamsunnahar Junior.

Uzbekistan suffered consecutive 3-0 defeats to defending champions China PR and DPR Korea.

US-based Reza Pahlavi lent his voice to a growing chorus calling for Australia to offer the women asylum, joining politicians, human rights activists, and even "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling.

“It feels a bit surreal,” he said.

He pointed to opener Sanju Samson's run of form as an example of the team's evolving mindset.

On July 16, 1950, the skies above Rio de Janeiro carried not just the glare of the sun, but the blazing pride and golden dreams of an entire nation, Brazil. Rising beside the shores of Guanabara Bay stood the newly built concrete giant -- the Maracana Stadium. It was not merely a structure of brick and cement; it was a vast temple of hope, ambition and supremacy for nearly 200 million Brazilians.

Debutant Bangladesh are set to face Uzbekistan, the side closest to the women in red and green in terms of rankings in their group, in a Group B encounter of the AFC Women's Asian Cup at the Perth Rectangular Stadium today, with a number of achievements in sight.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav heaped praise on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah after India’s historic 96-run victory over New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup yesterday.

India thrashed New Zealand by 96 runs to become the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title and win a record third crown in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

India wreaked havoc at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad yesterday, smashing a plethora of records on their way to clinching a record third T20 World Cup title with a 96-run victory in an utterly one-sided final against New Zealand. From piling up a record 255 for five to bundling out New Zealand for 159 in 19 overs, the co-hosts made the Black Caps look like an ordinary team at the largest-capacity cricket stadium in the world.

Put in to bat, India capitalised on a 98-run opening stand between Sanju Samson (89) and Abhishek Sharma (52) to rack up 255-5.

The two teams finished on seven points apiece in Group A with the Koreans topping the pool on goal difference.

India hold the edge over New Zealand in the overall T20I head-to-head, winning 16 of the 30 matches between the two sides. The Black Caps have won 11, while three matches ended in ties.

Defending champions India play New Zealand on Sunday in Ahmedabad looking to become the first side to lift the T20 World Cup for a third time and the country of 1.4 billion expecting nothing less.