The Tigers, who won their first two games against Ireland earlier this week, looked in good shape ahead of their serious match ups with South Africa and West Indies in the Champions Trophy, starting in England from September 10.

Scotland's cricketers suffered one of their most depressing defeats of recent times on Wednesday night when they came a poor second to Bangladesh at the Grange.

Five years ago these nations were on an equal footing in the world pecking order, but, on this evidence, Bangladesh have soared ahead since gaining Test status, largely on the strength of their World Cup victories over Scotland and Pakistan in 1999.

Regular supporters have become accustomed to the sort of inept batting display that saw Scotland skittled for a paltry 142. However, on Wednesday there was little hint of the bowling and fielding skills, which have salvaged dire situations in the past.

Instead, Bangladesh opener Mohammed Ashraful was allowed to launch a blistering attack during which his quickfire 61 - containing three more boundaries than the entire Scottish innings - put the visitors firmly on course.

He raced to his half-century off 42 balls, adding another 11 before finding Coetzer at mid-wicket off Ryan Watson. Two run-outs and another strike by Watson slowed the Bangladeshi progress, but they held their nerve to surpass the target, finishing with 144 for five in 31.5 overs.

Earlier, the Scots were soon ruing skipper Craig Wright's decision to bat first as wickets began to tumble in familiar fashion. With the Bangladeshi bowlers making full use of helpful conditions, openers Dougie Lockhart and Gregor Maiden found runs difficult to come by.

Lockhart did manage a rare boundary off Nazmul Hossain as the Scots crawled along at two runs an over. But Maiden and Lockhart perished in identical fashion - caught behind off Tariq Aziz - to leave Scotland struggling on 17-2.

Things did not get any better as the rest of the Scottish line-up struggled to make any impact against the bowling.

At 70-5 in the 28th over, the hosts were in danger of being totally humiliated until Colin Smith and Stuart Coetzer embarked on a face-saving partnership of 41.

Smith went on to top score with 35, but his efforts did little to help the Scots' hopeless cause.

Both teams will meet again today.