Cricket: The plate competition, in whatever sport or tournament, is not where teams hope to finish. But for Ireland's Under-19 cricketers there is still the potential of turning a rather disappointing World Cup into one where they can at least say they beat a Test nation for the first time at this level.

Ireland take on New Zealand in the main Test stadium in Colombo today knowing that this Kiwi team hasn't impressed in the competition so far - and that a upset may just be on the cards.

Bowled out for just 70 against Pakistan in the group stages, this band of potential future Black Caps have been found lacking in all areas. And no one knows this more than team coach and former Test player Dipak Patel.

"We have seriously under-achieved in all departments here," said Patel, who played 37 Test matches and 75 one-day internationals for New Zealand.

"We have been unable to post a decent total batting first and our bowling has been patchy. We have respect for the Irish team and we know we'll have to improve going into that game."

From Ireland's point of view, this year's World Cup has not exactly been the fulfilment of their dreams either. Aside from one fine performance getting to within four runs of victory over England, the Irish have under-performed and today's game is a last chance to make an impression.

Leg-spinner Greg Thompson has been left out of the starting XI, although he has been included as supersub and should still get a bowl at some stage.

IRELAND U-19: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, captain), Fintan McAllister (Rush), Gareth McKee (Cliftonville), Gary Wilson (Civil Service), Andrew Poynter (Middlesex), Richard Stirling (Cliftonville), James Hall (Waringstown), Gavin McKenna (North Down), Niall McDarby (CYM), Gary Kidd (Waringstown), Neil Gill (Muckamore). Supersub: Greg Thompson (Lisburn).