Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has once again predicted that only rain can save Bangladesh from a looming defeat. His comment comes just as India have taken a commanding position in the ongoing Test match, with Basit insisting that the weather is the only factor that could stop India from securing victory.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time he’s made such a statement. Prior to the Bangladesh-Pakistan series, Basit had made a similar prediction, but Pakistan ended up losing 2-0 to Bangladesh. Despite being wrong before, Basit remains firm in his belief this time.

Basit praised India's bowling attack and sarcastically referred to Bangladesh’s chances as slim. “I said this before the first Test against Pakistan, and I’ll say it again: only rain can save Bangladesh from defeat. Last time, Pakistan proved me wrong. Today, I, Basit Ali, stand by my words once again,” he said.

While highlighting India’s strength, Basit commended their bowling line-up, saying, “Bumrah, Siraj, Akash... those five bowlers are enough to take 20 wickets. There’s no need for Gambhir to play a role here. Give Bangladesh a chance and let them play their game. By the fourth and fifth day, the pitch will turn.”

Despite his confident prediction about India’s dominance, Basit didn’t shy away from acknowledging Bangladesh’s efforts. He singled out Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed for their impressive bowling performances. “I enjoyed watching Hasan and Taskin bowl. Hats off to Allan Donald, he’s done a great job with them. I just hope they can maintain this form. Nahid Rana still needs time to develop,” Basit added.

However, Basit was critical of Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, for overworking Hasan Mahmud. “Shanto made a mistake. Just because Hasan took four wickets, doesn’t mean you over-bowl him. He should’ve rested him and taken a gamble with the spinners. He kept bowling Hasan to get him five wickets, but more rest might have helped him perform even better,” Basit further said.