At least six spilled chances have left them struggling to reach the quarter-finals when a victory over the hosts was there for the taking.

Facing the hosts Sri Lanka, with their impressive pace bowlers and mystery spinners, is as tricky a start as they could have faced, but the ever-optimistic Paul Stirling will ensure his side goes in with positive thoughts.

Unfortunately for Paul Stirling’s side, and the ‘Blarney Army’ of supporters who have made their way to Colombo for the T20 World Cup, the Boys in Green will face two of that quartet in the next four days.

With the start of the T20 World Cup two days away, where will Ireland find the inspirational individual performances required to beat Sri Lanka on Sunday or Australia next week to give themselves a chance to progress to the quarter finals?

Paul Stirling and his Ireland team landed in Colombo last night with a week to finalise preparations before their crucial opening T20 World Cup match against hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday.

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.

Ireland produced a clinical all-round display to beat hosts UAE by 57 runs in the first of their two-game series in Dubai.

Grant Stewart hit three successive sixes in the last over to secure a stunning victory for Italy over Ireland in the dead rubber of their three-match T20 international series.

THERE’S no faulting Ireland’s preparation or efforts, but they just don’t seem to click at T20 World Cups. Only twice in nine tournaments have they reached the second phase, and since 2016 they have lost to associate sides Netherlands, Oman, Namibia and Canada.

Harry Tector unselfishly gave up the chance of a first T20 international century in Dubai on Sunday as Ireland completed a second victory over Italy in their three-match series.

Gareth Delany will likely have a key role to play with bat and ball if Ireland are to progress from the first round  ‘Group of Death’ at next month’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.

Ireland has named its 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup that will be played in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March.

Nathan Johns on the story behind Ireland's honours board, and what it means to those featured on it.

The next few months will tell much about the health of Irish cricket with three national sides in major tournaments.