Pakistan got a reality check ahead of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. Pakistan lost to Ireland for the first time in T20Is. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam blamed poor fielding and bowlers' failure to execute plans as they lost the thrilling encounter by five wickets in Dublin.
As many as three catches were dropped by Pakistan fielders. In the second over, Fakhar Zaman dropped Paul Stirling's catch off Naseem Shah’s bowling. However, Stirling got out three balls later for a single-digit score. Later in the innings, George Dockrell was given a reprieve. Iftikhar Ahmed took the catch but stepped on the boundary cushions. Dockrell contributed with a 12-ball 24 cameo. In the 18th over, Pakistan's best fielder Shadab Khan dropped a tough chance.
“I think we started no good, in the first 6 overs, the pitch is two-paced. But we recovered very well, 190 is a par score and we lost in the bowling and fielding. We did not execute our plans, few sloppy fielding, had we taken that catch... That's why they win because they attack us,” Babar said in the post-match presentation.
Asked about whether the team will practice on their day off and fine-tune their skills on the even of the second T20I, he replied, “Let's see, let's talk with the coach.”
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Rizwan’s strike rate under scanner again
Earlier, Ireland skipper won the toss and opted to field first. Babar walked out to bat at no.3 after Mohammad Rizwan got run out in the second over. Babar scored 57 runs from 43 balls including eight fours and a six. His strike rate was 132.56. Later, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi's cameos helped Pakistan post a fighting score of 182/6.
Ireland’s historic run chase
Defending the total of 183, Pakistan got early wickets but opener Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector's 77-run partnership for the third wicket got them back on the track. Dockrell's cameo gave them a much-needed push. Balbirnie departed in the penultimate over for a 55-ball 77 but Gareth Delany and Curtis Campher held their nerves and helped Ireland registered historic win.
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