Bangladesh's bowlers produced a masterclass to defend a modest total and book their place in the women's Asia Cup semi finals, beating hosts United Arab Emirates by 34 runs in a decisive do or die fixture in Dubai on Tuesday.
Nigar Sultana Joty's side will now face India, the tournament's most successful side, in Thursday's semi final as they look to progress further towards a place in the final of the continental showpiece.
Having lost the toss and been asked to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh endured a difficult start, losing opener Dilara Akter without a run on the board inside the very first over.
Sobhana Mostary also failed to make an impression, departing for just three, while Bangladesh managed only 21 runs for the loss of two wickets across the entire six over powerplay period of their innings.
Juairiya Ferdous offered some early resistance before falling for 16, and captain Nigar Sultana added a further 23, though neither innings proved substantial enough to build meaningful momentum for the chasing pack behind them.
The middle order then collapsed in dramatic fashion, with Sorna Akter and Fahima Khatun both dismissed for golden ducks off consecutive deliveries, leaving Bangladesh in serious trouble at six wickets down for just 55 runs.
It was left to Sharmin Akter to rescue the innings, playing a composed and aggressive knock of 38 from just 31 balls, striking three boundaries as she guided her side towards a more defendable total late on.
Support arrived from Nahida Akter, who remained unbeaten on 16 from 26 balls, helping push Bangladesh's total beyond three figures to finish on 103 for seven after their allotted 20 overs had been completed.
Suraksha Kotte was outstanding with the ball for the UAE throughout the innings, finishing with impressive figures of three wickets for just 11 runs across her full allocation of four overs.
Despite the modest target, Bangladesh's bowlers set about applying pressure from the very first over of the UAE reply, with Marufa Akter removing opposition captain Esha Oza early to set the tone for what followed.
Marufa finished with two wickets for only nine runs from her four overs, while Sultana Khatun chipped in with a wicket of her own, conceding just 10 runs across an equally economical spell for Bangladesh.
Leg spinner Rabeya Khan proved the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 14 runs to inflict serious damage on the UAE middle order during a crucial phase of their run chase.
Nahida Akter also picked up two wickets, while Fahima Khatun added one more, as Bangladesh's varied spin attack repeatedly found ways to trouble batters who struggled for fluency throughout their innings.
Only two UAE batters managed to reach double figures during the chase, with Hina Hotchandani top scoring for the hosts on 18 before eventually falling as Bangladesh tightened their grip on the contest.
The UAE innings eventually folded for 69 in the ninth wicket column after the full 20 overs, sealing a comfortable 34 run victory that sends Bangladesh through to face India in Thursday's semi final.