They stunned Pakistan, and rolled over Zimbabwe to progress to the Super Eight stage of the 2007 World Cup.
Phil Simmons plans to keep this in the minds of the 14-member squad heading to the Caribbean for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup. The former West Indies all-rounder is the coach of the Ireland men’s national team, and he feels the unpredictable nature of this format of the game gives his side an even greater chance of stunning England and hosts West Indies in their Group-D preliminary matches.
“Along with [holders] Pakistan, West Indies are the most dangerous T20 side in the World, but they could just as easily have a bad day,” said Simmons.
“Of course, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Ramnaresh Sarwan can take apart any attack in the World.”
He observed: “But the way they play always gives the opposition a chance, and we must make sure we are at the top of our game because, as we have proven before, we can turn over anyone on our day.”
Ireland face West Indies in the second match of the tournament on April 30, at the Guyana National Stadium, where they also tackle England in the final group match on May 4.
The England match will bring them face to face with former Irish star Eoin Morgan, now a valued member of the Poms’ limited-overs squad, but Simmons indicated his side would not take it any easier on him.
“There are no secrets in the cricket world now,” said Simmons. “Morgan is a very close friend with our captain William Porterfield.
“But friendship will go out the window when they face each other on the field, and it will be just another game which we will trying to win. We are not going there to make up the numbers. We expect to reach the Super Eights again.” Ireland start their trek to the Caribbean next week, when they arrive for the Jamaica Cricket Festival.
This will be followed by a training camp in Simmons’ hometown of Trinidad & Tobago, including a T20 game against the reigning regional champions in the format.
Ireland then head to Guyana where they play warm-up games against New Zealand and Afghanistan on April 27 and 28.
