Live Cricket Score: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 - Ireland vs United Arab Emirates

Openers Amjad Ali and Andri Berenger have got Ireland to 26 in five overs, decent scoring rate. Irish bowlers John Mooney and Max Sorensen are bowling in the early 130s and despite looking a bit fidgety in the middle, Ali has cracked a couple of boundaries to settle the nerves. Mooney is bowling wide of the stumps, perhaps an effort to get the ball to jag back in. The outfield too isn't the quickest; Ali and Berenger just ran four as the ball gave up inches inside the ropes.

Ireland have a golden opportunity to strengthen their case for the knockouts when they play fellow Associates United Arab Emirates in a Pool B encounter at Brisbane in the ICC World Cup on Wednesday.

The Irish's shock win against West Indies in their opener has given the group a big twist. India, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies - due to their immense experience at the international level - were the pre-tournament favourites to advance from the group but the way Ireland chased down 305 - with 25 balls remaining and four wickets in hand - against the Caribbean team, the fourth spot in the group is not certain to go to a Test team anymore.

While both Ireland and UAE are Associate nations, the chasm between their cricket standards is very big. Ireland are considered to be the best Associate nation by many, and there is big support for them in their bid for the Test status.UAE, on the other hand, impressed against Zimbabwe in their opener, even though they ended up on the losing side. After making a competitive 285, they made their opponents' life difficult and if it weren't for a sixth-wicket 83-run stand between Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, they result might have been different.