In the most intense match of the World Cup played as of yet, Ireland pulled a two-wicket win over a fighting UAE side in the 16th match of the World Cup 2015 at Brisbane

Trivia of the match between Ireland and UAE in CWC15

While others - the likes of Morgan and Joyce and Rankin - have flirted with England, William Porterfield has remained an almost ever-present figure in Ireland's rise in international cricket. His country's top run-scorer in both ODI and T20I cricket, he could yet become Ireland's first Test captain.

Ireland and the UAE represent two sides of the Associate coin. The Irish have emerged as the tightest unit outside the Full Members, many of their players fully professional via the English system, and their record at ICC events conspicuous for its gallantry. The UAE are a little more problematic, having never won a World Cup match in two appearances 19 years apart, their ranks occupied by journeymen amateurs of largely subcontinental origin.