Ireland ICC World Twenty20 2016 Tournament Preview & Guide

What people are saying about them:

“The squad has got a real balance to it, with that blend of youth and experience that every coach likes. Ireland are now regular performers on the world stage so there's no fear or intimidation factors.” – John Bracewell, the Ireland coach.

“It's imperative that we get out of the group. That's non-negotiable from our point of view. Anything less will be deemed a disappointing outcome for the team. Once we hopefully get through, then we've got some big matches to play and it's a case of us taking down another scalp or two. We know what success tastes like and we're hungry for more of that.” – Niall O’Brien.

“When it comes to world tournaments, we get it right more often than not. That is our strength and we are confident we can put it right in India. We are an experienced team. Our backs have been against the wall plenty of times before and we have come out the right side.” – Gary Wilson.

Pommie Mbangwa Prediction – Ireland: Group Stage
Their task would be to ensure no slip-ups and then beat Bangladesh in the qualifying group stage. Whilst they have enough to do that, this experienced lot of William Porterfield, Kevin and Niall O'Brien, George Dockerell, Paul Stirling and Max Sorensen have gone from a side that hoped to win a game or two in times past to one that seems expected to win. It is that expectation that seems to have them under so much pressure to the point of buckling. This is evidenced by their route to the tournament through the qualifier, where they “should” have been the best side.

Ireland Squad: William Porterfield (capt), Andy Balbirnie, Gary Wilson, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Andrew Poynter, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Max Sorensen, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson & Craig Young.

Fixtures:
Wednesday March 9: v Oman, HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Friday March 11: v Bangladesh, HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Sunday March 13: v Netherlands, HPCA Stadium, Nagpur