Ireland well-prepared for the big stage, again

In a comprehensive preview of the Ireland team for World Cup, Ofran Flynn of Cricket Europe writes that the team has proven in the past that they are not just at World Cups to make up the numbers.

They have the fastest World Cup hundred (Kevin O'Brien - 50 balls), the third fastest (Paul Stirling-70 balls), the highest ever successful run chase (329-7 against England) and the third highest (307-4 against Netherlands). Kevin O'Brien and Alex Cusack hold the record for the highest sixth wicket stand (162 against England). In addition Ireland has the largest runs margin of victory by an Associate against a Full Member (74 runs against Bangladesh in 2007). Andre Botha has the third best ever economy rate in an innings (minimum 30 balls) with 2-5 off 8 overs against Pakistan in 2007. Of the 28 second innings hundreds in World Cup cricket, Ireland (Kevin O'Brien and Paul Stirling) account for two of them.