Bangladesh began their challenge for the Plate Championship in the under-19 World Cup with a four wicket victory over Canada at the Chittagong Divisional Stadium.
After their bowlers had dismissed Canada for 136, the Bangladesh batsmen gave the 4,000 home spectators a fright with a string of sloppy shots before finally prevailing by four wickets.
After Canada won the toss and elected to bat, the Bangladesh bowlers made early inroads. Nazmul Hossain and Talha Jubaer picked up two wickets each as Canada crashed to 36 for 5.
A cameo 42 from 26 balls from Karun Jethi added a degree of respectability to the scorecard but only one other batsman, Soham Anjaria, made more than 20 as Canada were all out for 136 in 37.2 overs.
Bangladesh's openers Naeem Islama and Nafees Iqbal rapidly took their side past the 50 mark but with a comfortable victory in sight a succession of batsmen gave away their wickets. Canada off-spinner Shaheed Keshvani claimed five wickets - four caught and one stumped - as Bangladesh stuttered to 103 for 6.
The prospect of an embarrassing defeat for the home side was finally averted by Nazim Uddin whose 27 not out took Bangladesh past the winning post in 34.5 overs.
Canada coach Franklyn Dennis was disappointed that his team has yet to perform to its potential.
"I'm not very pleased with today's performance," said Dennis.
"We expected to win matches in this tournament and we haven't yet come close."
Bangladesh opener Nafees Iqbal was pleased to see his side return to winning ways but was frustrated by his own soft dismissal.
"The last few days have been disappointing," said Iqbal.
"I have not been satisfied with my batting and today I made the wrong decision and was out," said Iqbal.
