Ireland confident ahead of India clash

Mar 8, 2015 - 12:06 AM Irish batsman Andrew Balbirnie won't have to wait much longer to again have a crack at his maiden World Cup century, captain William Porterfield says.

The 24-year-old right-hander batted at No.4 on Saturday in Hobart where Ireland scored a narrow five-run victory over Zimbabwe.

While it was a good result for the team it was a frustrated Balbirnie who was run out for 97 in Ireland's final over.

"The way (Balbirnie) has been playing ... you'd think he was one of the senior players, how he's come in and played with that freedom," Porterfield said after Saturday's match.

And with confidence in the squad at a high, Porterhouse said Ireland will turn its attention to ending India's perfect 2015 cricket World Cup record, when the two sides meet at Hamilton on Tuesday.

With four wins from four matches, India is already guaranteed a quarter-final berth.

"We go into every game (thinking) there is two points up for grabs," Porterfield said.

"We've just got to keep all the momentum going and keep on improving at the little things we want to and keep taking things forward."

With left-handers dominating Ireland's top order Balbirnie was elevated from No.5 on Saturday and Porterfield said he'll continue to play a valuable role.

As for India's approach to Tuesday, safe in the knowledge of a finals ticket, Porterfield isn't expecting any lack of intensity.

"They're not going to look to lose any momentum," he said.

"Whoever they decide to play, it doesn't really bother me."

The skipper said he was proud of how the team bounced back from a 201-run loss to South Africa to bring a "composed and calm" squad to Hobart.

Source: AAP