Babar Azam pins Pakistan's first T20I loss to Ireland on poor bowling, fielding

Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, attributed their loss in the first T20I against Ireland to poor bowling and fielding. 

Speaking in post-match presentation, Babar mentioned that the team failed to execute their plans effectively, especially in the initial overs. Despite posting a decent total of 182 runs while batting first, Babar felt they fell short in the bowling and fielding departments.

"We didn't start well in the first 6 overs; the pitch was a bit two-paced and had some bounce. We recovered well after that and got 182 but I think 190 was a par score. But I think we lost due to the bowling and fielding. We didn't execute our plans and had some sloppy lapses in the field which cost us," Babar said.

Pakistan had a promising start defending their target, securing two early wickets, but Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector's partnership turned the game around for Ireland. Shaheen Afridi managed to dismiss Balbirnie eventually, but contributions from other Irish batsmen like George Dockrell were crucial in their victory.

The second T20I of the series will be played on Sunday.