Can Pakistan still qualify for World Cup 2023 semi-finals?

It is incredible that despite the clear gap between the best and worst teams at the 2023 World Cup, we still don't know which teams have definitely qualified for the semi-finals and which sides are surely out of contention.

Sure, India have won six out of six matches and England have lost five out of six. But England can still, mathematically, squeeze into the last four.

Similarly, other teams are also harbouring hopes of securing qualification for the next stage, with varying degrees of confidence.

Pakistan, too, will be keeping an eye on the points table when they take on Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Can Pakistan still make it through?

Mathematically, anything is possible. But realistically, it is looking very difficult.

As things stand, Pakistan can, at best, finish with five wins and four defeats, provided they win their next three matches – against Bangladesh, New Zealand and England.

Even then, it might not be enough. Both New Zealand and Australia have four wins each and if both win just one of their remaining three games, it would more or less mean the end of the road for Pakistan.

India and South Africa are ahead of the pack in the points table. New Zealand and Australia all have huge net run rate advantage over Babar's team, which can't be overcome within the remaining time. So Pakistan not only need to win their remaining matches, they also require New Zealand and Australia to falter significantly, with at least one of them losing all remaining games.

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, too, are in a similar position as the team in green, but the Black Caps and Aussies pose a more imminent threat to Pakistan's chances.

After the match against Bangladesh on Tuesday, Pakistan conclude their group stage campaign against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Saturday and England in Kolkata on November 11.

Fakhar Zaman hopeful

Despite the challenge that faces his team, opening batsman Fakhar Zaman insisted Pakistan have not given up on their World Cup dream.

Zaman said the team is drawing inspiration from the 1992 side which, under the leadership of Imran Khan, rallied after losing three of their first four games to win the World Cup.

"If you see, historically, we don't accept defeat," Zaman said.

"Everyone in the squad is hopeful of winning the last three matches and after the way we fought against South Africa we are sure of a comeback."

Zaman said he has recovered from a knee ligament injury and is available for Tuesday's match against the Tigers.

"It's disappointing to miss matches through injury because the World Cup comes every four years and I missed last year's Twenty20 World Cup with the same knee injury," he said.

Results

2pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: Mouheeb, Tom Marquand (jockey), Nicholas Bachalard (trainer)

2.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Honourable Justice, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dark Silver, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash

4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Dark Of Night. Antonio Fresu, Al Muhairi.

4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Habah, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Key recommendations

Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme

Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates

How to apply for a drone permit

Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
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What are the regulations?

Fly it within visual line of sight
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Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
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Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
Should have a live feed of the drone flight
Drones must weigh 5 kg or less