The O'Brien brothers steered Ireland to a 34-run run win in the first Twenty20 of their two-match series against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.
Niall and Kevin O'Brien shared a 55-run stand after coming in at 19 for four, which proved critical in a low-scoring contest in which Ireland eked out 134 for eight.
Kevin O'Brien then took three for 14 as the UAE were routed for 100 from 19.2 overs.
Ireland will meet UAE in the second game on Tuesday, with their opening World T20 match against Oman in Dharamsala on 9 March.
Speaking after the win Kevin O'Brien backed the top order to come good despite their recent lack of runs.
"I'm not worrying at the moment about the top order collapses,” he said. “We just need to assess pitch conditions and perhaps play accordingly.
"But we are looking to be positive when batting, so we can't go into our shells. We need to continue to back ourselves and play with no fear."
O'Brien admitted he was happy to play second fiddle to elder brother Niall during their crucial fifth wicket stand.
"It was important for us to consolidate a little after the early wickets but it helped that Niall was batting really well and striking the ball nicely,” he said.
“When your partner is batting like that, it's best to give him as much strike as I could. He played a great knock."
