Ireland and the UAE represent two sides of the Associate coin. The Irish have emerged as the tightest unit outside the Full Members, many of their players fully professional via the English system, and their record at ICC events conspicuous for its gallantry. The UAE are a little more problematic, having never won a World Cup match in two appearances 19 years apart, their ranks occupied by journeymen amateurs of largely subcontinental origin.

Zimbabwe put up a defiant fight before going down against West Indies in the 15th match of the ICC cricket World Cup 2015 at Manuka Oval of Canberra

England snatch first victory in ICC WC 2015 against Scotland by 119 runs at Christchurch

In a major win, India defeated South Africa by 120 runs at Melbourne today riding on the ton from Shikhar Dhawan and egged on by spinners in the World Cup 2015 match

Who will dominate proceedings during the next round of matches at the ICC Cricket World Cup?

West Indies beat Pakistan today by a big margin of 150 runs for their first win in the ICC cricket World Cup 2015 at Christchurch

If the sky hasn't quite fallen in on Brisbane, there has been more than enough rain to place Saturday's fixture between Australia and Bangladesh at the Gabba in grave doubt

England's eight-wicket World Cup defeat by New Zealand in Wellington is the most one-sided one-day international between Test-playing nations

New Zealand hard-hitting batsman Brendon McCullum strikes the fastest fifty in the history of Cricket World Cup at Wellington against England

New Zealand hard-hitting batsman Brendon McCullum struck the fastest fifty in the history of Cricket World Cup at Wellington against England today.

New Zealand trampled England with Tim Southee’s seven-wicket haul and Brendan McCullum’s fiery batting in the ninth match of the World Cup 2015 at Wellington

WHEN Nuwan Kulasekara sent down the first ball of the 2015 World Cup in Christchurch on Saturday, it marked the World Cup's return to Trans-Tasmania after nearly a quarter of a century.

AT a time when no news in the country is good news, Bangladesh's first win in the World Cup against Afghanistan, though expected, has given the cricket-crazy people of Bangladesh a much-needed cause for celebration. In tune with the rest of the country, we wholeheartedly congratulate the Tigers for a solid performance, resulting in a whopping 105-run victory.

UAE faced Zimbabwe in their group match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

If England thought life would be any easier once they left Melbourne, they had best think again. The Westpac Stadium - The Cake Tin, as it is known to locals - may not have the capacity of the MCG, but 33,000 passionate New Zealand supporters will ensure the atmosphere remains just as hostile.

One down, six to go. Bangladesh have begun brilliantly, swatting aside Afghanistan with a superbly professional and clinical performance at Canberra’s Manuka Oval in the seventh match of ICC Cricket World Cup 201

Who will triumph in the match between England and New Zealand at Wellington?

It took only seven balls for Samiullah Shenwari's delight at Afghanistan's first appearance in a World Cup to descend into personal disaster as the focus turned once again onto the umpiring confusion that has scarred the first week of cricket's biggest tournament

Zimbabwe were given a run for their money to close a nervy win against associate members UAE in the eighth match of the ICC cricket World Cup 2015

SUPPOSE India had lost the World Cup cricket match against Pakistan at Adelaide, the reaction among its people would have been that of disappointment and remorse. But I do not think that they would have initiated scuffles with the Pakistani spectators. The Indians would not have destroyed television sets as some did in Karachi and elsewhere in Pakistan. Of course, there would have been a sense of humiliation, but it would not have poured on to the streets in the shape of fracas or demonstrations.