Ireland's cricketers will play two games against New Zealand A in the UAE next month.

The Kiwis second string will also be playing games against Ireland's Associate rivals Afghanistan and the UAE, who have qualified for the World Cup along with Scotland.

The New Zealand selectors will name their touring party on Wednesday, 24 hours later than scheduled due to a finger injury sustained by Hamish Rutherford, son of former Ireland coach Ken.

He's been named in the New Zealand squad for their Test series against Pakistan, also in the UAE, and if he has to withdraw, there will be a knock-on effect for the A squad.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons will be hoping for better fortunes for his squad than their recent nightmare tour of Australia and New Zealand, where the team endured setback after setback, both on and off the field of play.

The UAE has been a happy hunting ground for Ireland in recent years, winning the T20 World Cup Qualifiers plus the InterContinental Cup final.

Ireland will take part in a training camp as well as playing the matches, which will help them prepare for their World Cup campaign which starts in February.