Actually, that isn't true.
The headlines following Ireland's not-shocking win over the West Indies in Nelson aren't even remotely surprising. But the win wasn't either, which means headlines that mention how the result is 'shocking' and 'stunning' and 'an upset' are wrong, and also quite unfair to an Irish team that deserves much more than it gets.
Among those using these sorts of words in their headlines are the BBC, Guardian, Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, Independent, Wall Street Journal, TVNZ, along with numerous others. The Daily Mail did have an analysis which pointed out that this was not, in actual fact, a surprise, and The Telegraph did likewise.
So why does Irish captain William Porterfield agree that his team's win was not an upset? It comes down (on his end) to the fact that Ireland is actually a pretty good team. There is also the issue of the West Indies, but that is for another time. For now, let us focus on Irish cricket.
When Ireland won their first World Cup match in 2007, that was a genuine upset. They fell agonisingly short against Zimbabwe, but Pakistan was meant to be better than them, and Ireland were meant to be just one of those easybeat teams the ICC had invited along. Instead a team full of amateurs took full advantage of a green tinged pitch and an opposition prone to brain explosions to produce a memorable win.
When Ireland beat another full member nation at the 2011 World Cup, it took a mammoth effort from one man. Kevin O'Brien scored a remarkable century to carry his team to their target of 328. By this time Ireland was not just another group of amateurs. Cricket Ireland had brought in central contracts, and Ireland had been regularly winning the Intercontinental Cup for years. But England, their arch rival, were undoubtedly favourites, especially after putting up such a large total. The idea of Ireland winning wasn't as foreign as it was in '07, but it was hardly expected.
This time around, it's different. Ireland is even more experienced than it was in 2011. The core of the team, particularly the batting, is still mostly the same, and they're had four years to gain experience (not that the full member nations have been much help there). The central contracts have expanded. Cricket Ireland has set up what is essentially a first class system. Phil Simmons is still in charge. Possibly most important of all, many of players in the squad are playing county cricket. In the long run that may be an issue, as Ireland tries to balance its own system with the lure of the county system, but right now it means that Ireland has a wealth of experience and talent to draw on. As it stands, the only players without county experience are Cusack, Mooney, Sorensen and Thompson. Sorensen replaced Middlesex's Tim Murtagh, and of the remaining three only Mooney is a regular first XI player.
This is without two other notable Irishmen who have been lured across the sea - absentee Boyd Rankin, and English captain Eoin Morgan. So, then, the Irish squad is brimming with experienced, talented players, playing for the best Associate nation going around. They are playing against an opposition who are disinterested, not at full strength, full of internal squabbling and being led by a 23 year old captain, who was only appointed a couple of months ago. What, exactly, about this scenario screams 'stunning upset'?
It seems the biggest battle Ireland faces is their perception amongst the casual cricketing public. There are (apparently) many who still think that the nation is question has no interest in cricket, and isn't even aware of there being a cricket world cup. But why is it necessary for the headline writers to pander to this supposed audience? Surely said audience will be just as surprised by a headline like 'Ireland cruise to four wicket victory over West Indies'. Perhaps it suggests something about how much attention the journalists in question are paying to Ireland that they think it is a shock.
Thankfully, there are those who know what they are talking about.
As Sambit Bal put it: "I am afraid Michael Holding will have to wait for the first upset of the World Cup. West Indies aren't likely to pull this off."
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