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Ireland have been receiving the royal treatment in the lead-up to their Super Eights contest against New Zealand.
The Duke of York, on a private visit to Guyana, took the chance to extend his best wishes to the Irish side and urged them to go forth and claim more upset wins like their jaw-dropping triumph against Pakistan in the group stage.
Ireland, thought to be merely making up the numbers when they started their campaign in Jamaica, secured a surprise place in the Super Eights and have since offered courageous opposition in their second-round matches against England and South Africa.
"I've been following the competition on the television, and like everyone else I'm delighted that you have reached the Super Eight phase," Prince Andrew told the side. "You have certainly enhanced the Cup with your spirit, and it's great to see a team with a smile on their faces.
"I wish you every success in the rest of your games, and hopefully you'll pull off another memorable victory."
But the Duke's message came on a day when all-rounder Andre Botha strained a hamstring playing touch rugby at practice. This left him in doubt for tomorrow's match at Providence Stadium. Botha, who dismissed opener Imran Nazir and skipper Inzamam ul-Haq while taking two for five from eight overs against Pakistan, apparently left practice immediately after feeling his hamstring tighten, and has been described as touch-and-go for the game against the Black Caps.
"The next 48 hours are crucial," said Iain Knox, the team physiotherapist.
