Since their heroics in the Caribbean in 2007, Ireland have continued to sit atop the second rung of international sides, so much so that they now, in ODIs at least, find themselves in a separate little group alongside Afghanistan with an enhanced position in the rankings. That is crucial for the next World Cup in 2019, but their one focus at the moment is to use this tournament as a base to highlight the folly that the game's biggest global event is shrinking and the fact they largely continue to be ignored by the Full Members.

A record fifth-wicket partnership helps South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 62 runs in their opening and third match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Hamilton

'The sense of excitement that used to build up days in advance, is still very much a part of my DNA today,' says former India paceman Javagal Srinath

In a day of allround performance by the Kiwis, Lankans appear weaker both with their bats and the ball.

As New Zealand arrive, wanting only to sustain their success, confident the bowlers will not lose their lines, and lifted by the feeling that someone in the top seven will always find a way to fire, Sri Lanka are scrambling around, searching for that spark that will set their campaign alight. In past world tournaments, the visitors have found it in unlikely places.

The opening ceremony for the ICC World Cup 2015 is held at Christchurch and Melbourne. Both the cities were draped and decorated in festive colours as the biggest show for cricket began with a spectacular show of fireworks and colourful flags.

In the inaugural match, Kane Williamson of New Zealand and Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka may steal the focus.

New Zealand hammered home their status as World Cup dark horses with an emphatic 134-run warm-up win over South Africa.