More of the same - Johnston

Trent Johnston © CricketEurope

Ireland captain Trent Johnston has promised there will be no let-up in intensity when his side face Canada in their second World Cup warm-up match on Thursday.

Johnston and his team came agonisingly close to completing one of the biggest upsets in one-day international history on Monday when they had world number one side South Africa on the rack.

“If we play up to the same level we did on Monday, I think Canada will find us very difficult to beat,” Johnston said.

“We are still learning and so are the Canadians but we are going all out for a victory.”

Canada were in fine form last night, acquitting themselves well against Pakistan, another of the tournament favourites.

Ireland meanwhile, making their first appearance in the tournament finals, impressed many in reducing the Proteas to 91 for eight but they could not find the firepower to finish off their opponents, who recovered to 192 and then dismissed the Irish for 157.

“We lacked the killer instinct against South Africa but we went into the game seeking to be competitive and there is no doubt that we were,” Johnston said.

“I think that everyone should be proud. We scared the number one ranked team in the world.

“The bowlers did very well. The pitch was a new-ball pitch and we made good use of it.

The Ireland skipper said the players were looking to build some momentum heading into the tournament proper and the Canada match would help them do that.

“We have had a good start and hopefully we will be able to put other areas of our game together so we will be hitting the straps when we meet Zimbabwe in our opening game,” Johnston explained.

“My major goal for my team is to be competitive and we have shown that we were in the first match.”