WC team preview: Can Ireland spring another surprise?

Ireland have been the ICC World Cup's designated 'surprise package' since making their tournament debut in 2007 in the West Indies. They got the better of Pakistan to announce their arrival and stunned England in the next edition in India in 2011, making it clear they were not just making up the numbers. However, despite their impressive performances, Ireland have been deprived of the chances to square off against Full Members in ODIs and in the lead-up to the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. In the few opportunities that have come their way since that night in Bangalore, they have emerged second best. They became the first ICC Affiliate to qualify for the World Cup by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2011-2013.

Group: Pool B

Captain: William Porterfield

Strengths

Batting is where Ireland have excelled despite losing their top players to either county sides or the England team. It was their spirited batting against the stronger England side that helped them chase down a target of 328 during the 2011 World Cup. A look at their record in the past year will tell you it has been their batsmen and especially their middle order that has guided them to victories over associate level teams.

Weakness

They have been placed in a pool that includes defending champions India, South Africa, Pakistan and West Indies. The inexperience of not being able to test themselves against top sides in the run-up to the event might work against them. The last time they played against a big team was in May 2014 against Sri Lanka in Dublin. However, they have often punched above their weight the wins against Pakistan and England being prime examples.

X-factor

Kevin O'Brien scored the fastest century in World Cup history to guide a record chase of 328 against England in Bangalore in 2011. That knock made him an overnight star and he has continued to be their batting flagbearer. OBrien is Irelands most experienced player with 84 ODIs, leading run-getter with 2178 runs and leading wicket-taker with 68 scalps.

Dark horse

Fast-medium bowler Craig Young made an impressive debut when he claimed a five-wicket haul against Scotland in September 2014. Since then, he has played six ODIs, picking up 16 wickets at 14.06 and while showing promise to fill the void created by Trent Johnstons retirement and Boyd Rankin's switch to England. He has the ability to generate pace and bounce and, with some discipline, can make an impact in Australia.

ODI form guide (last six months)

Dubai Triangular series (Ireland, Scotland, Afghanistan) Winners

vs Scotland: Won 2-1 (Home)

What they did at the 2011 World Cup

Ireland were placed in Group B that included India, South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh and Netherlands. They lost four games but scripted a memorable three-wicket win against England and chased down another total in excess of 300 when they beat Netherlands in their final game.

Squad

William Porterfield (capt), Kevin O'Brien, John Mooney, Alex Cusack, Niall O'Brien (wicketkeeper), Andrew McBrine, Ed Joyce, Max Sorensen, Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, George Dockrell, Gary Wilson (wk), Craig Young and Peter Chase

League fixtures

Feb 16: v West Indies, Saxton Oval, Nelson

Feb 25: v United Arab Emirates, Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane

March 3: v South Africa, Manuka Oval, Canberra

March 7: v Zimbabwe, Bellerive Oval, Hobart

March 10: v India, Seddon Park, Hamilton

March 15: v Pakistan, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.