Dreaming of rekindling '09 flame

Ireland were one of the sides that had travelled to the UAE early in order to better acclimatise with the conditions and play a few practice games as part of preparation for the T20 World Cup. They will begin their campaign on October 18 in Abu Dhabi. Led by Andy Balbirnie, the Irish side picked an uncapped left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder in Graham Kennedy for the marquee event. Ireland coach Graham Ford rationalised the inclusion of Andy McBrine, citing that the 26-year-old off-spinner will offer cover for first-choice Simi Singh. The Irish made it to the Super 8s in 2009 by beating Bangladesh and will be looking to replicate that performance once again.

SQUAD

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Kevin O'Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

RESERVES

Shane Getkate, Graham Kennedy, Barry McCarthy

STATISTICS

Ireland

T20 World Cup Appearances: 5

Best Result: Super 8s (2009)