Further group matches follow – also in Jamaica – against Pakistan (March 17), before the match against tournament hosts the West Indies on March 23.

And Birrell said, “There’s a lot of work to be done as we prepare to play in the World Cup for the first time in our history.

“There’s a huge challenge for us out there, and of course an opportunity to put Irish cricket even more firmly on the map.”

Speaking at a pre-departure reception today in Belfast hosted by team sponsor Bank of Ireland, he continued: “I’m confident we’ll play good cricket in each of the games, and if we bring our A game with us, then who knows what might happen?

“We have been preparing both mentally and physically for the World Cup for a long time, and the attitude and commitment of the entire squad has been exemplary.

“We’ve played big names before, and taken a few notable scalps along the way. I’m backing my team to do well, and hopefully we’ll produce some notable performances.”

Captain Trent Johnston added: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the team, and a great boost for Irish cricket.

“The interest being shown by the cricketing public in the country has been fantastic, and I know how much the players are enjoying the increased media attention, which the game so badly needs in Ireland.

“It’s been a huge bonus for us to be full-time cricketers for these three months, and the sponsorship given means we have been able to focus ourselves solely on cricket and the World Cup preparation.

“It’s a magnificent thought to be competing against the modern greats in world cricket.

“We’ll be pitting our wits against Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Akhtar and Inzamam-ul-Haq in the group games, and also get a chance to play against Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini and Jacques Kallis in the warm-up game against South Africa.”

Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom added, “It is the pinnacle of any sportsman’s ambition to represent their country on the world stage, and we are certain the squad will rise to the occasion.

“This is the first time Ireland have participated at this level, and we are excited by the opportunities it will afford the team to move forward in terms of skill, and the union to move forward in terms of business and profile.

“We don’t see the World Cup as the end of a road, instead we see it as a springboard to future success.”