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When the dust had settled on Scotland's bitterly disappointing defeat at the hands of Bangladesh on Monday, there was time to reflect on the turning points of a pulsating game, in which the pendulum had swung violently, which ultimately dashed the Scots' dream of a first World Cup victory.

The Scottish bowling was not quite as impressive as it had been against Australia and Pakistan; too many wides and no-balls again conceded, albeit that once again the umpires seemed utterly unwilling to concede that the white ball used in this tournament, does at times, move eccentrically, especially in the conditions prevailing at this time of the year.

The first crucial moment arrived when, with Bangladesh on the ropes at 45 for five, Minhazul Abedin, with just three to his name, offered a regulation catch to slip which Iain Philip put down. That uncharacteristic blunder in an otherwise sparkling fielding performance allowed Minhazul to pull the innings round in a sixth wicket stand of 69 with Naimur Rahman.

The Scots also got off to a terrible start, Hasibul Hussain's opening burst being hostile enough to dismiss Bruce Patterson, palpably leg before, and Mike Smith. George Salmond, as he had against the Australians, took the attack to the bowlers at which juncture a superb catch at gully by Faruque Ahmed got rid of the captain.

The Scots clawed their way back with Gavin Hamilton once more coming to the rescue. He and Alec Davies had taken them within reach of their target with a stand of 55 when the cruellest turning point came through one of those idiosyncrasies of cricket, a drive accidentally deflected into the stumps by the bowler with Hamilton stranded, backing up.

Bangladesh do carry vastly more experience against top quality opposition but their attack is hardly lethal so the Scots will have to dig deep against West Indies at Leicester tomorrow.

Coach Jim Love may also shuffle his pack. Greig Williamson seems sure to play, probably at the expense of Patterson and Mike Allingham may also get a recall. The biggest test however, will be whether they can retain their resilience, especially against the likes of Messrs Walsh, Ambrose and Lara. It won't be easy.