Sri Lanka vs Pakistan live stream: how to watch 1st Test cricket online from anywhere, Day 5, will rain save the Lions?

Yasis Shah bats on a Sri Lanka vs Pakistan live stream

(Image credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

It's Day 5 of the 1st Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan and the home side are on the brink of defeat. Fortunately, they have the Galle weather playing ball. Rain might just thwart the tourists from picking up the 11 runs they need to get the win. The forecast is for the storms to stop at around tea time but there might just be showers long after. There will be lots of looks to the sky. Read on as we explain how to watch a Sri Lanka vs Pakistan live stream and see the 1st Test online from anywhere.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st Test live stream

Dates: July 16-20

Start time: 10am IST (local) / 9.30am PKT / 6.30am SAST / 5.30am BST / 12.30am ET

Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle

Live stream: PTV Sports (PK) | Sony Liv (IN) | Willow TV via Sling TV (US) | SuperSport (SA)

Watch anywhere: try ExpressVPN 100% risk-free

The big story at the start of the match had been the recall of Yasis Shah to the Pakistan team. The leg-spinner hadn't featured in a Test since last August, but replaced Sajid Khan in the setup after Pakistan's disappointing 1-0 defeat to Australia in March. His feats with the ball this week have certainly been worthwhile with four wickets in the second innings. Arguably his 18 runs with the bat were more crucial after all but Azam scored less than 20 in their first innings.

Sri Lanka weren't as reliant on just the one man, even though they picked up 222 in their first knock – only three more than Pakistan's 219. The Lions improved with the second bite of the cherry with three batsmen scoring over 50 but Pakistan out-performed them again with Shafique's 154 runs a particular highlight. Now, with four wickets and 11 runs remaining, the visitors will be praying to the sun.

Follow our guide for all the details you need to find a reliable Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st Test live stream and watch every session online from wherever you are.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test schedule: dates and times

1st Test: July 16-20 一 Galle International Stadium, Galle 一 10am IST / 9.30am PKT
2nd Test: July 24-28 一 R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo 一 10am IST / 9.30am PKT

How to watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: live stream Test cricket for FREE in Pakistan

The Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st Test is available to watch on the state-owned channel PTV Sports, with play set to begin at 10am PKT across all five days of the match.

PTV Sports is 100% free-to-watch, with the only details required being your phone number to verify your identity. Anyone in Pakistan simply needs to head to the PTV Sports website and they'll be to tune in without paying a penny.

Not in Pakistan right now? You can still enjoy the same free live stream you would at home - all you need is a world class VPN service and you've knocked it for six!

How to watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test cricket from outside your country

Below we've got you covered with your official Sri Lanka vs Pakistan broadcasting options for India, the US and South Africa, but if you're currently outside your country of residence and trying to stream the cricket via your local broadcaster, you'll soon discover that you can't, as it's location restricted. But there is a way to tune in regardless.

By downloading and installing a VPN, you can effectively trick your computer into thinking that it's back at home. That way you can enjoy your home coverage without having to find an illegal stream - assuming you comply with the broadcaster's fine print, of course, specifically its terms and conditions.

Use a VPN to live stream cricket from anywhere

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How to watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: live stream Test cricket in India

In India, the Sony Sports Network has the rights to broadcast the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test series, with play set to begin at 9.30am IST on each day of the match.

Sony Ten 2 and Ten 2 HD will telecast the 1st Test with English commentary.

If you'd prefer to watch on an app or website, Sony Liv will be streaming the match 一 but you'll need a premium subscription to watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan live, which costs Rs 999 for a year, Rs 699 for six months, or Rs 299 per month. Jio users can watch the series free of cost with the JioTV mobile application.

Anyone outside of India who wants to watch their home cricket coverage can just pick up a good VPN and follow the instructions above to safely live stream the action.

The best data plans to catch all the live action (India-only)

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan live stream: where to watch Test cricket in the US

Dedicated streaming service Willow TV is where cricket fans can watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan live in the US, but be warned that play starts at 12.30am ET / 9.30pm PT across all five days of the 1st Test.

Willow TV (also available in Canada), is available from a number of cable providers including Dish, Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon Fios and more.

Perhaps a better option for those looking for an alternative to cable would be to opt for a cord-cutting streaming service like Sling TV. If you already have Sling, then you can add Willow TV for an extra $5 for one month. And if you don't, then you can currently bag a big six of a bargain by getting Sling TV - featuring 30+ channels - with your first month currently available with a 50% discount.

South Africa flag — (Image credit: Future)

How to watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: live stream Test cricket in South Africa

Can you watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test cricket in the UK, Australia and New Zealand?

There's a lot of big sport going on at the moment, and unfortunately it looks like this Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test cricket series has slipped through the cracks in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

If you're keen to try out your luck, the only alternative is to use one of the best VPN service providers to tap into coverage from elsewhere, as described above.

The software is generally ideal for this as it allows you to change your IP address and appear to be in a completely different location - and all through a safe, encrypted connection. But do bear in mind that most paid streaming services do require a credit card based in the same country as the service.

Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.