Can Ireland stun the world again?

When Ireland take the field against the West Indies in their first match of the 2015 ICC World Cup in New Zealand on Monday (Sunday, 10pm Irish time), they will be cheered on by more than the handful of green onesied or leprechaun-costumed travelling fans in the 5,000 crowd at the Saxton Oval, Nelson. 

Phil Simmons’ side will be the favourite ‘other’ team of many supporters of the major cricketing nations in the 49-match showpiece event in Australia and New Zealand this month.

Ireland’s stunning victories over Pakistan in 2007 and England in 2011 changed the World Cup narrative, where the smaller countries were expected to turn up, lose early and often, then fly home and let the big boys fight it out for the main prize.