Ireland get huge boost with win over Bangladesh

Cricket: Ireland batsman Andy Balbernie believes his team-mate Ed Joyce’s experience could be crucial at the World Cup, which gets underway this weekend.

Joyce is now well and truly and back in the Ireland fold after having switched allegiance to England. He is now an integral part of Phil Simmons’ squad.

Ireland completed their World Cup preparations with a confidence-boosting four-wicket win over Bangladesh in Sydney yesterday. Balbirnie’s unbeaten 63 steered Ireland home after new-ball pair John Mooney and Max Sorensen claimed three wickets each to bowl out the Tigers for 189.