Whisper it quietly, but Ireland appear in good shape ahead of the T20 World Cup that gets underway in Sri Lanka and India next weekend.

For once Ireland's preparations have seen them give themselves a chance to hit the ground running, with five games in the UAE to be followed with an official warm-up against Pakistan.

Heinrich Malan appears to have all but settled on his first-choice line-up, with Ben Calitz firmly ensconced in the number six berth, the only southpaw in a team of right-handers.

Ten of the side played in all five games in Dubai, four of which were won, including Saturday's 30-run win over the hosts that sealed a 2-0 series victory.

Curtis Campher's return has boosted the batting and it was he who top-scored with an unbeaten 41-ball unbeaten 54 (2 fours, 2 sixes) in an Ireland total of 170 for 7.

Campher and Mark Adair rescued their side from a precarious 101 for 7, adding an unbroken 69 in 38 balls for the eighth wicket. 'Sparky' showcased his power, clearing the ropes three times in his 34 not out.

Aryansh Sharma's 54 threatened the chase briefly but he was one of three stumpings for Lorcan Tucker - two off the rejuvenated George Dockrell (2-12).

Dockrell's form alongside Gareth Delany (2-22) has given the bowling unit some depth going to Sri Lanka.

The only downside to their time in the UAE has been the form and subsequent absence of Josh Little. The left-armer has been a pale imitation of the potent weapon that once secured an IPL deal, and it remains to be seen if the selectors opt for a return or stick with Barry McCarthy in Sunday's opener in Colombo against Sri Lanka.

Ireland will most likely have to beat either Sri Lanka or Australia, as well as Zimbabwe and Oman to emerge from the 'Group of Death' - the only one to contain four Full Members.

No easy task, but Ireland teams have reveled in the past with the underdogs tag - could this be another?