Northern Ireland's cricket-loving Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and First Minister Ian Paisley are to host a reception on Tuesday in honour of the team who reached the final eight of the Cricket World Cup.

During the tournament in the West Indies, Ireland emerged as dark horses, pulling off a shock victory over Pakistan and drawing with Zimbabwe in the group stages.

The win over Pakistan was marred by the sudden death afterwards of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer in his Jamaican hotel room.

The squad played England, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the Super Eight stage of the competition and managed to beat Bangladesh.

Ireland retained the ICC Intercontinental Cup with a victory over Canada last month.

Following their successes, the team have lined up one-day games against India, South Africa, West Indies, Holland and Scotland.