Since their heroics in the Caribbean in 2007, Ireland have continued to sit atop the second rung of international sides, so much so that they now, in ODIs at least, find themselves in a separate little group alongside Afghanistan with an enhanced position in the rankings. That is crucial for the next World Cup in 2019, but their one focus at the moment is to use this tournament as a base to highlight the folly that the game's biggest global event is shrinking and the fact they largely continue to be ignored by the Full Members.

Ireland defeat Bangladesh by four wickets in the Tigers' third and last warm up match in Sydney.

Indian opener Rohit Sharma smashed 150 against Afghanistan in their final World Cup warm-up match Tuesday, helping the holders register their first win in Australia since they landed in November.

Bangladesh are expected to beat Ireland comfortably. They have won five out of the seven games between the two sides. The question remains whether they can stamp their authority over the Irish; something that might help them boost their confidence to their desired levels.