Bangladesh women's Under-19 team nearly pulled off a victory over Australia but eventually succumbed to a narrow two-wicket defeat in their Group D match of the ICC Women's U-19 T20 World Cup at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Bangi, Malaysia today.

Sent to bat, Afia Ashima Era top scored with 29 0ff 34 balls and opener Sumaiya Akter Suborna made a run-a-ball 13 as Bangladesh hobbled to 91-9 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first.

Tegan Williamson, Eleanor Larosa and Caoimhe Bray picked up two wickets each for the Aussies.

In reply, Australia had cruised to 50-1 inside eight overs before Jannatul Maoua initiated a comeback for Bangladesh.

Jannatul picked up three wickets in three successive overs, which included top scorer Lucy Hamilton (30 off 35 balls), as Australia lost five wickets for 17 runs to be reduced to 67-6 in 13.1 overs.

Bangladesh bowlers kept applying pressure with Anisa Akter Soba and Habiba Islam Pinky striking once each to reduce Australia to 86-8 inside 18 overs.

But Ella Briscoe and Tegan held their nerves, and remained unbeaten on 11 and three respectively to take Australia over the line.

Earlier, Bangladesh beat Nepal by five wickets in the opening Group D match.

They will next face Scotland in their final group-stage match at the same venue on Wednesday.