Ireland focus on getting two more points

Ireland captain William Porterfield on Monday said his team is looking to grab another two necessary points to qualify for the quarterfinals of the cricket World Cup.

Having beaten the West Indies, Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ireland have a strong chance of making it to the quarterfinals. With the Irish yet to play India and Pakistan, Porterfield is of the view that his side is ready for the tough challenges ahead. They will face defending champions India on Tuesday at the Seddon Park here.

“Every next game is our toughest game and now it happens to be India and we are looking forward to it. We are in a good place now and we just have to bring that form into tomorrow,” Porterfield said at the pre-match press conference.

“We have got two points up for grabs and we are looking to make it four out of five tomorrow. India have qualified, but I am pretty sure they will be looking to get the top spot in the group as well. I don't expect them to come lightly at us and we will be ready for that.”

Ireland will face a power-packed Indian batting line-up that has been on a roll this tournament and Porterfield and co. have their plans chalked out. 

“We have got to try and restrict them with the ball and take wickets. The best way of restricting teams is taking wickets. We need to go out there with that mentality throughout the 50 overs of taking wickets," he said. 

"Whatever we do in the first 10 overs is going to be big, be it with the bat or ball. We have to start the game well and get into it.”

Talking about Ireland’s quarterfinal prospects, Porterfield said, “It is a nice position to be in. Before we came here, we set ourselves a goal of making it to the quarterfinals. We are in a good position now, but it doesn't count for anything if we don't keep getting good performances," the 30-year-old said.

The skipper also hoped his team's good performance will force the International Council Cricket (ICC) to reverse its decision of making the future World Cups a 10-nation affair.

"Hopefully, we do make the quarterfinals and keep pushing on as a country ourselves, the ICC will take notice and we will start looking at the next World Cup.”