Don''t take Ireland lightly, warns skipper Porterfield

Nagpur, Feb 10 (PTI) His country may be consideredminnows going in to the World Cup but Ireland skipper WilliamPorterfield has warned the opposition to not take them lightlysaying that any team can perform well on a given day.

"World Cup cricket is a big game. Any team can do betteron a particular day and match as chances are even,"Porterfield told reporters here today.

"Yes, we know its a big event and anyone can be throughon a particular fixture though India enjoys the home support,conditions and the home crowd," he added.

Ireland had shocked Pakistan by three wickets in thegroup stages and were responsible for the latter''s first roundexit from 2007 World Cup, hosted by the West Indies.

The European team also surprised everyone by making it tothe Super Eight round in their debut in the prestigiousquadrennial event, where they defeated another sub-continentside Bangladesh by 74 runs.

To a query, Porterfield said his team''s batting line-upwas strong but the bowling line up too should not be takenlightly.

He said unlike teams like India, where players earnedtheir livelhood by playing cricket, most of his team-mates hadto do jobs for supporting their family.

The Ireland squad, which came here yesterday, will play awarm up match against New Zeland here on February 12. Theywill have a training session today.

The New Zealand team, which is scheduled to arrive thisevening, will have a training session tomorrow at the VidarbhaCricket Association stadium at Jamatha, about 18 kms nearhere.