The fairy tale begins: Ireland's steady rise in world cricket

After Ireland registered a stunning four-wicket triumph over the West Indies in their World Cup 2015 Pool B opener, it is no surprise that a so called cricketing 'minnow' has slowly but steadily charted its way into the big league.

Be it wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the 2007 edition or even their sensational upset of England in the 2011 tournament, the 'Bhoys' have well and truly cemented their place as a rising power in cricket, post upstaging West Indies.

If the 'semi-professional' Irish played like a well-drilled outfit in 2007, then it was Kevin O' Brien's heroics with the bat which allowed them to topple the English four years later in Bengaluru.

Here is an interview video of Ireland's journey in the 2007 World Cup.

The current side, led by William Porterfield, has former West Indian player Phil Simmons as coach, which may have proved to be a major factor in the side upsetting the former kings of world cricket.

Why, even affable Australian speed demon Brett Lee has contributed a good deal to this current team, thanks to his role as Ireland's interim bowling coach, a fact which bodes well for Simmon's side.

Agreed that though West Indies are not in the pink of health, thanks to contract issues and in-fighting amongst their officials and players, still credit has to be given to Porterfield's side for pulling off a thrilling win, which would definitely go down in the annals of Irish sporting history.

Also the fact that a chunk of this current Irish team ply their wares in the English County circuit also gives them enough incentive to at least stand head and shoulders amongst the giants of world cricket.

Though the fact rankles that a majority of Ireland's current players are in the wrong side of their 30's, premature steps need to be taken to ensure that the team has imminent replacements in hand, given a retirement exodus.

William Porterfield (with bat) has been an inspirational captain for Ireland (India.com)

The only area of concern would be bowling, as the Irish do not boast of a genuine speed demon, with dibbly-dobbly and medium-fast bowlers being their chief arsenal.

Batting looks as strong as ever, as apart from Porterfield and O' Brien, others like Ed Joyce (Sussex), Paul Stirling (Middlesex) and Niall O' Brienn (Leicestershire) have proved to be reliable pillars, thus proving the ability to withstand the best of bowling attacks.

Gone are the days when Ireland had 'semi-professional' or 'non-league' players who played 'just for the fun of it', as the sport is slowly but surely gaining professionalism post their recent heroics.

Recent results may have left even England skipper Eoin Morgan impressed, as the star batsman was part of the 2007 World Cup squad for the Irish, post which he switched allegiance.

Spinner George Dockrell is one to watch out for the future (India.com)

Agreed that the much 'elitist' Scotland handed them a 179-run shellacking in a recent warm-up game in Sydney, still given current form, the other teams in Pool B may well take the Irish lightly at their own peril.

South African import Max Sorenson (29) can literally make the ball talk and seems like the answer to their fast-bowling woes, whereas Craig Young (24) also looks like a handy prospect for the future.

Spinner George Dockrell (he took 3 for 50 against West Indies) is another player to watch out for, and it won't be a surprise if he does make a splash during the rest of the tournament.

So as things currently stand, Irish cricket may just have taken flight post their latest win, and it would be interesting to see as to whether the team can carry momentum forward for the rest of the campaign.

To quote the famous Irish poet William Yeats - "In dreams begins responsibility" - that would be the theme that Ireland would be banking on, if they are to cause further ripples in the tournament.

And if they do...then cricket in Ireland may well be on course for a bright and shiny future!