The tournament came three months after the World Cup which saw Ireland beat the Test nations Pakistan and Bangladesh, and tie with Zimbabwe, gaining themselves a right to be ranked on the official ICC ODI Championship. Ranked two places below the West Indies, Ireland intended to justify their place in the table.
The tournament occurred three months after the World Cup, which saw Ireland defeat Pakistan and Bangladesh in a Test match, and draw with Zimbabwe, securing their spot on the official ICC ODI Championship rankings. Ranked second below the West Indies, Ireland aimed to validate their position in the table.