Pakistan and Sri Lanka face off in the opening match of their two-match Test series in Rawalpindi, running daily from November 9 through November 13 starting at 11:30am ET, 4:30am GMT, and 3:30pm AEDT. Having already secured victories in the T20I series 2-1 and the ODI tri-series, the host nation looks to sweep the longer format. Neither side remains in strong contention for the World Test Championship, as Pakistan currently sits at the bottom with 5 points from two wins out of nine games, while Sri Lanka holds 24 points with a single win across six matches. Pakistan enters this fixture looking to address recent struggles in the longest format, having lost 2-0 to Bangladesh, drawn 1-1 with the West Indies, and suffered a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of England earlier this year. These challenging results brought a flurry of changes, including the reappointment of Babar Azam as captain, while coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul departed during the England series.
Key takeaways
- The first Test takes place from November 9 to November 13 in Rawalpindi.
- Pakistan won the preceding T20I series 2-1 and the ODI tri-series.
- Fans in Pakistan can stream the match for free on Tamasha.
- Babar Azam captains a relatively new-looking Pakistan squad.
Global broadcasting and streaming options
Viewers located in Pakistan can catch the live action completely free online via the Tamasha streaming platform. International travelers or viewers outside of Pakistan looking to unblock regional cricket streams frequently utilize virtual private network services like NordVPN, which is currently featured with a 77% discount and three extra months free, to access their home coverage without running into geo-blocking restrictions.
In the United States, Willow TV holds the broadcast rights for the first Test. Fans without Willow TV in a standard cable bundle can access the coverage through Sling TV packages such as Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex, starting at $10 per month, or utilize a free trial via Fubo to watch the match live.
Regional coverage across India, Australia, and the UK
Indian cricket fans can watch the series via the Sony Sports Network, with digital streaming available through Sony LIV. Subscription tiers for Sony LIV begin at ₹599 for the Mobile-Only yearly plan and ₹999 for the Premium yearly plan. Australian audiences can tune in through Fox Cricket on Foxtel, or stream digitally via Kayo Sports, which starts at AU$30 per month following a 7-day free trial or an introductory AU$1 first-month promotion. Meanwhile, the opening Test currently lacks a confirmed broadcast partner in the United Kingdom, leaving visiting fans to rely on virtual private networks.
Squad updates and team context
Pakistan enters the series with a fresh roster under the renewed leadership of captain Babar Azam, alongside emerging talents including Razaullah, who impressed in England, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, and Arafat Minhas. Azam aims to break a lengthy individual drought, having gone 40 Test innings without scoring a century since 2022. The broader Pakistan squad also features Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Saad Baig, Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, and Saud Shakeel.
Sri Lanka travels to Rawalpindi after playing four Tests this year, which included 1-0 series losses to both the West Indies and India. The team will be missing opening batsman Pathum Nissanka due to an injury, with Lahiru Udara stepping in as his injury replacement. Captain Kusal Mendis will lead a lineup that includes Anjala Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, and Pasindu Sooriyabandara to handle the challenge.
Comments