Ireland buoyed by shot at history in T20 World Cup duel

Ireland aren't shying away from what on paper might look like mission impossible.

They will face rivals England at Southampton in their upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup clash. And the group are looking to each their names in Irish cricketing folklore.

Just ask bowler Arlene Kelly.

 "We've spoken a lot as a group about making history, being the first Irish women's team to win a match at a T20 World Cup," Kelly told media ahead of their match against the English.

"That is a massive goal for us."

Coming off a first-up loss, the Irish outfit is also aiming to maximise the growth and development that can come from competing at a World Cup. And taking on one of the undisputed heavyweights of the tournament, this is a huge opportunity for their entire group.

"It is still a very young side, so in and amongst that, we want to be learning as much as we can," Kelly continued.

"We want to be playing on these big stages at these big global events. So just making sure we're enjoying it, we're absorbing as much as we can, but we are here to compete."

Scorecard: Scotland v Ireland

Ireland's 40-run loss to Scotland took their record to 18 straight defeats at ICC Women's T20 World Cup tournaments. But that is only strengthening their resolve.

"We'll take learnings from what's gone on in the previous game. There is a lot of belief within this group. We know we probably weren't at our best against Scotland, but we are looking forward to tomorrow and to be given another chance to perform better in all three facets.

"We know we're here to compete. We want to make history and win our first game at a World Cup. So we're back on the horse and we go again (on Tuesday)."

While Ireland enjoyed seeing plenty of green in the stands of their first match in Manchester, which Kelly labeled as 'special', hosts England are of course very well represented also. Fast bowler Lauren Bell confirmed playing on home soil is giving them an enormous boost.

"I think the home crowd we get here and how much they love their cricket and love getting behind the team that they're supporting is amazing," Bell told media.

"And obviously I've grown up playing my professional cricket here, so it's one of the best things about a home World Cup is getting to play at your home ground where I guess you've made all your professional memories. So yeah, I think it's going to be really special tomorrow."

England are coming off a massive win against Sri Lanka, which launched their home tournament in style.

Scorecard: England v Sri Lanka

"We couldn't have been happier with how Friday night went, especially with it being the opening game. It sets us in a good place. But yeah, you've got to go again, start from zero and yeah, bring the same energy as we had on Friday.