Team watch: Ireland - from minnows to dark horse

When Ireland rocked the cricket world in 2007 World Cup by upsetting Pakistan and Bangladesh and qualifying for the Super Eights, most of their players had to extend their leaves from their jobs back home.
Cricket was not the most popular sport in Ireland then, but after 2007 and 2011 it certainly gained in popularity.
Most teams now know what Ireland are capable of.
The surprise factor may have worn off, but they are still capable of causing a few up sets. Players like Ed Joyce, William Porterfield (the captain), Paul Stirling, George Dockrell and O'Brien brothers, Niall and Kevin, are now well-known.
They all have played crucial roles in historic upsets in the Cup. Who can forget Kevin's fastest century in the Cup his 63-ball 113 stunned England in 2011. It was as important as his brother Niall's match-winning 72 (107b) against Pakistan in 2007.
Ireland have been preparing well for the Cup. They toured Australia and New Zealand in September and October last year to get the feel of the conditions.
They then played a series of warm-up matches in Dubai, including two matches against a strong New Zealand 'A' side featuring players like Kyle Mills, Martin Guptill, Luke Ronchi, Nathan McCullum, Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne, who all are part of New Zealand's Cup squad.
Unlike other Associate nations, they look more settled in every department. Porterfield, who will appear for the third time in a World Cup, has six ODI hundreds to his name.
In 2007, he scored 85 in Ireland's upset win over Bangladesh. Opener Stirling, 24, is a treat to watch when he gets going. He is in the Virender Sehwag mould, has five ODI tons centuries and is averaging 35.22 with a brilliant strike rate of 95.14. Andrew Balbirnie, a former Under-19 batsman, scored an aggressive 129 from 96 balls against New Zealand 'A' last year. He has also scored three fifties on tours of Australia and New Zealand.
Dockrell might be only 22 but he has already been part of several ICC events. He has played more than 100 matches. The left-arm spinner's role in the middle overs will be crucial for Ireland.
Besides, they would also be hoping for Craig Young to come good. The talented pacer was their top wicket-taker during the 2014 tour of Australia and New Zealand, and again in the tri-series against Afghanistan and Scotland, where he picked up seven wickets in three matches.
With such talented players in the squad, don't be surprised if Ireland cause an upset or two this time too.