Brisbane was bracing itself for the arrival of Cyclone Marcia, just hours before the Ireland cricket squad arrive in the city.

The two are not connected and one shouldn't be flippant about a weather warning but the Irish players intend on causing maximum damage at the Gabba next Wednesday when they play their second World Cup game, against the UAE, the one team Ireland are seeded to beat in the tournament.

Paul Stirling, man of the match in Monday's four wickets win over West Indies, which launched Ireland's campaign in such impressive fashion, says that if they can make it "two from two we will be sitting pretty and that is our sole objective".

But preparations for the game are unlikely to be straightforward and Ireland could be fortunate they have a nine-day wait for a return to action.

The rain is forecast to hit the Queensland capital with such intensity that Saturday's first World Cup game here, between hosts and world No 1 side Australia and ninth-ranked Bangladesh, could be in doubt.

There is no provision for reserve days in the group stages so a wash-out would give both teams one point each - and severely dent the Aussies' hopes of finishing top of Group A.

The cyclone is due to pass through by Saturday lunchtime so it just depends on how much rain lands on the Gabba.

Ireland, back up to 11th in the world rankings after Monday's win and Afghanistan's defeat yesterday to Bangladesh, are due to resume training at the Allan Border Fields, in the north of the city, tomorrow morning - following their two-day break on the Gold Coast - and will be grateful that by the time Wednesday's match takes place the forecast is for sunshine and temperatures of up to 32 degrees.

With an innings of 92 under his belt - his highest score for Ireland in an ODI or T20 in 28 innings, since his century against Pakistan 21 months ago - Stirling is now in pole position to make a serious impact on the World Cup.

He hit the ground running in New Zealand on Monday, despite missing the acclimatisation tour to the country in October, but the Middlesex professional believes that was in fact a blessing in disguise.

"It was straight after the county season and I had a back injury, so it was the right call not to come out to New Zealand," said Stirling.
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"It gave me a chance to work on my fitness and make sure I was in good shape for the World Cup."

And despite the presence of Andy McBrine, as a second specialist spinner to George Dockrell in the side, captain William Porterfield was able to call on Stirling's slow bowling to keep the West Indians tied down.

"I have been quite happy with my bowling since the New Year. It's good to have that string to your bow when you can come on and contribute," he said. "Even with two 'proper' spinners in the side, I was able to still get my six overs in for not too many.

"It actually didn't turn that much but we fielded really well, put the ball in the right areas and took those early wickets.

"But full credit to Andy McBrine, he bowled fantastically well on his World Cup debut and fully backed up his initial selection."