Image source, Getty ImagesByLauren McCannBBC Sport NI Journalist12 minutes agoIreland are preparing for their fifth T20 World Cup, but one thing has eluded them in their four previous appearances in the tournament – a win.They have exited in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2023 as the bottom side in their group and have lost all 17 games they have played in those four editions of the competition.While they missed out completely in 2024 as they failed to qualify, they are back in 2026 and ready to break new ground in England.They face Scotland in their opening game at Old Trafford on Saturday at 10:30 BST, hoping to break their duck and end that unwanted winless record.Captain Gaby Lewis, who has recovered from a quad injury to play in her fourth World Cup, was keen to acknowledge the big hurdle her side are desperate to try and finally clear.”We’ve yet to have a win in a World Cup and that is a big thing that is hanging over us,” she told BBC Sport NI.”We really want to push to do that and get a couple of wins and not have to qualify for the next one.”Scotland first up ‘massive’ for IrelandImage source, Getty ImagesIt would be fitting if Ireland’s first win in the T20 World Cup came against the Scots given they denied the Irish a place in the tournament two years ago as they pulled off a shock victory to reach the tournament for the first time.Lewis said there was “major heartbreak” in the Ireland camp after that sore defeat that forced the squad to have to watch the World Cup from home.Ireland are in a better place now and come into the tournament off the back of a productive Tri-Nations series in Clontarf where they beat both Pakistan and the West Indies.”The series was a great success, we’ve got the results behind us. Confidence is high and that’s exactly what you want going into a World Cup,” Lewis added.Lloyd Tennant’s side are ranked ninth in the world but are in a tough Group B which also has hosts England, holders New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies alongside the Scots.They will face all five sides with the top two in the group moving through to the semi-finals where they will face the top two from Group A.Scotland won by 39 runs the last time the two sides met in Nepal in January and Lewis believes getting off to a good start in their first game is “massive” for Ireland in terms of momentum.”There’s a big rivalry between us and them. They’ve probably got one up on us at the moment after beating us in Nepal. I think we’re looking good and we’re really excited for it.”They’ve got a new addition in Kirsty Gordon [a former England spinner] which is a boost for them.”If we get the win, then you never know against England.”Related topicsCricketNorthern Ireland Sport BBC Sport