O'Brien: "We are a confident bunch"

In Niall O'Brien's second World Cup blog, he praises his Ireland teammates for their terrific victory against West Indies but said they will not take UAE lightly.

The World Cup has started off with a bang for us Irishmen with a fantastic win over the West Indies in Nelson. We felt going into the game we had a very good chance of pulling of a great victory and that's how it transpired.

Sticking the opposition in to bat seemed a wonderful decision as we reduced them to 90 odd for 5 at one point but in Darren Sammy and Lendl Simmons nephew of ex Fox and current Ireland coach Phil they led a wonderful recovery to score a mammoth 304.

The new fielding restrictions really are making life difficult for bowlers - not that I'm complaining - but the days when scores of 300 are more and more common, hence the feeling at half time that the score was only par. It says a lot for our mental state that we feel that 300 is well within our grasp. This team are a very confident bunch and have real belief in our ability.

So it was wonderful to see Paul Stirling and William Porterfield take the attack to the opposition from ball one and put on a good opening stand. Paul's innings of 92 was outstanding and Ed Joyce played as fluently as I have ever seen him play.

Personally I was delighted to keep the attacking intent going and build on the impressive start made by the top 3. Many, many years ago when we beat Pakistan I was out with 20 required after doing all the hard work in make 72 and we lost a cluster of wickets to leave that game way to tense, so I was determined to see this through to the end and was great to be with old mate John Mooney at the end.

Yes we had a few wobbles losing a few wickets within sight of victory including the run out of Kevin, which I was gutted about as it was my fault.

We celebrated in true Irish style in the sleepy town of Nelson having a sing song with supporters and sipping a few beers and lapped up the atmosphere before leaving for a few days of rest and relaxation on the Gold Coast.

Next up we have the UAE who are a decent team and cannot be underestimated and we will prepare as thoroughly for them as we do all teams. No stone will be left unturned in our push to make it two wins from two.

I am looking forward to playing at the iconic Gabba Stadium and batting on the wicket which I’m told is nice and fast.

Hope everyone at home enjoyed the game.

Niall